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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement by Larcum Kendall

Partially verified

According to the Science Museum Group, this pocket watch movement was made in London between 1770 and 1780 by Larcum Kendall. Catalogued under object number 1920-551, the source reports that the movement incorporates a horizontal escapement with a steel escape wheel and centre-seconds. The dial side features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track punctuated by Arabic numerals at 15, 30, 45, and 60. A single blued steel hand is currently attached at the central arbor.

Dial view of pocket watch movement 1920-551 showing white enamel dial and single blued steel hand
Dial view of pocket watch movement 1920-551 showing white enamel dial and single blued steel hand — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Larcum Kendall
Reference
1920-551
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1770-1780
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Origin

According to the Science Museum Group record, this object is a pocket watch movement catalogued under object number 1920-551 within the category of Time Measurement. It is attributed to maker Larcum Kendall (also cited in the catalogue title text as 'L. Kendall') and recorded as made between 1770 and 1780 in London, England.

The collection record credits the piece to Mrs J Williamson and Bruno Roberts, classifying the item under the type 'pocket watch and instrument component'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made: 1770-1780 in London maker: Larcum Kendall”
  • “Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement, with steel escape wheel, centre-seconds, by L. Kendall, London, England, 1770-1780.”
  • “credit: Mrs J Williamson and Bruno Roberts”

Dial and Visible Physical State

Direct observation of the movement face shows a white enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices. An outer perimeter dotted minute track is marked with Arabic numerals at intervals of 15, 30, 45, and 60.

A single blued steel hand is currently attached to the central arbor, pointing toward the VI position, while an open pivot indicates missing companion hands. Beneath the dial edge, the cylindrical brass body of the movement and an attached curved brass piece are visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices.”
  • “Outer perimeter dotted minute track marked with Arabic numerals at 15, 30, 45, and 60.”
  • “Single blued steel hand pointing toward the VI position on the central arbor.”
  • “Central arbor shows an open pivot with missing companion hands.”
  • “Cylindrical brass movement visible beneath the dial with an attached curved brass piece.”

Reported Mechanism and Documentation Limitations

The museum record specifies that the movement features a horizontal escapement with a steel escape wheel and is configured for centre-seconds. These internal mechanical components are situated behind the dial and cannot be verified from the dial-side photograph alone.

The institution notes that while records are continually revised, they 'cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.' Movement plates, rear engravings, and any potential serial markings are neither depicted in the photograph nor transcribed in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement, with steel escape wheel, centre-seconds, by L. Kendall, London, England, 1770-1780.”
  • “Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.”

Open research questions

  • What signatures, serial numbers, or hallmarks appear on the rear movement plates or balance cock?
  • Which function was originally assigned to the single remaining blued steel hand, and what was the original configuration of the central hand set?
  • Does physical disassembly confirm the presence of the recorded steel horizontal escapement and centre-seconds train?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement by Larcum Kendall
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLarcum Kendall“maker: Larcum Kendall”
Date1770-1780“Made: 1770-1780 in London”
Object Number1920-551“Object Number: 1920-551”
Escapement and ConfigurationHorizontal escapement with steel escape wheel, centre-seconds“Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement, with steel escape wheel, centre-seconds, by L. Kendall, London, England, 1770-1780.”
Museum CreditMrs J Williamson and Bruno Roberts“credit: Mrs J Williamson and Bruno Roberts”
Museum Classificationpocket watch and instrument component“type: pocket watch and instrument component”
Museum CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices.
  • Outer perimeter dotted minute track marked with Arabic numerals at 15, 30, 45, and 60.
  • Single blued steel hand pointing toward the VI position on the central arbor.
  • Central arbor shows an open pivot with missing companion hands.
  • Cylindrical brass movement visible beneath the dial with an attached curved brass piece.

Research qualifications

  • The internal mechanism, horizontal escapement, and rear movement plate are not visible in the photograph.
  • Only one hand is present; original additional hands are absent.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Pocket watch movement with horizontal escapement. | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 0c37ae0f0e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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