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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch

Silver hunting case pocket watch

Partially verified

This gentleman's silver hunting case pocket watch is hallmarked to Sheffield, 1907. The exterior features a fully engraved hunting case with a central cartouche and engraved initials on the front. The watch movement is a full plate going lever type, incorporating an undersprung, dummy fusee, and a cut balance. The white enamel dial is equipped with Roman numeral chapters and a subsidiary seconds dial. Internal components include a dust cap bearing the serial number 55843, which is also present on the case. The case interior features the inscription "John Thomson" in copperplate script. A single watch paper is located within the back of the case. The object is currently part of the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira human history collection, having been donated by Miss M. Thomson.

Close-up detail of the engraved guilloché pattern on the exterior of the hunting case.
Close-up detail of the engraved guilloché pattern on the exterior of the hunting case. — Auckland Museum Collections. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1967.165
Source-reported date
1907
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
55843

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

Case and Exterior

The watch is housed in a silver hunting case, characterized by an exterior surface covered in a comprehensive engraved pattern. This pattern radiates from a central point, creating a geometric decorative finish across the metal surface. The front of the hunting case includes a designated cartouche, which features engraved initials.

Internal examination of the watch case reveals a dust cap. The serial number 55843 is marked on both the case and the dust cap. A signature, "John Thomson," is present in the interior of the case, rendered in copperplate script. Additionally, a single watch paper is preserved in the back of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “gentleman's silver pocket watch with hunting case, full engraved case with cartouche and initials on front”
  • “serial number "55843" on dust cap and case”
  • “in copperplate script on case "John Thomson”
  • “one watch paper in back of case”

Movement and Dial

The mechanical movement is a full plate going lever design. Specific construction details noted include an undersprung balance, a dummy fusee, and a cut balance.

The dial is constructed of enamel and features Roman numeral chapters. A subsidiary dial is integrated into the primary face for the indication of seconds. No manufacturer name is provided in the description of the movement or the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “full plate going lever; undersprung, dummy fusee, cut balance”
  • “enamel dial with sub-dial, Roman chapters”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch was acquired as a gift from Miss M. Thomson and is currently held in the collection of the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. It is catalogued under the reference number 1967.165, with additional collection identifiers col.1777 and H193.

The watch is attributed to the Sheffield assay office with a date mark of 1907. The documentation confirms its inclusion in the institution's history collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of Miss M Thomson, Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1967.165, col.1777, H193”
  • “hallmarked "Sheffield 1907”

Open research questions

  • Who was the original maker of the full plate lever movement?
  • Is the 'John Thomson' inscription associated with the original owner or a later re-casing/service?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver hunting case pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialSilver“gentleman's silver pocket watch”
HallmarkSheffield, 1907“hallmarked "Sheffield 1907”
Serial Number55843“serial number "55843" on dust cap and case”
Movement TypeFull plate going lever“full plate going lever”
Movement FeaturesUndersprung, dummy fusee, cut balance“undersprung, dummy fusee, cut balance”
DialEnamel dial with Roman numerals“enamel dial with sub-dial, Roman chapters”
InscriptionJohn Thomson“in copperplate script on case "John Thomson”
ProvenanceGift of Miss M Thomson“Gift of Miss M Thomson, Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1967.165”

Visible details

  • Engraved guilloché pattern on the watch case exterior
  • Cartouche on the hunting case cover
  • Copperplate script inscription of the name John Thomson
  • Roman numeral dial with a subsidiary dial

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not explicitly identified in the provided documentation
  • The specific technical function of the 'dummy fusee' remains unverified in this context

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

Consulted source

Silver hunting case pocket watch, Sheffield, 1907

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 50bce406c0

Terms in this record

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

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