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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pair case pocket watch

Silver Verge Pair Case Pocket Watch by M. Williams, London, 1801

Partially verified

This early 19th-century English verge pocket watch is encased in a silver pair case, with the inner case hallmarked for London in 1801. It presents a white enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals, outer five-minute track divisions, and yellow-toned hands. The source reports an internal key-wound gilt verge movement featuring round baluster pillars, a plain cock, and a silver disc regulator, signed 'M Williams, London' and numbered 9208, matching the serial number on the inner case.

Front view of the opened silver pocket watch showing the white enamel Roman dial
Front view of the opened silver pocket watch showing the white enamel Roman dial — Euro Antique Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
M. Williams
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as834a464
Source-reported date
1801
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
9208

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 timepiece features a silver open-face pair case construction. The inner case is hallmarked for London, 1801, and is numbered 9208.

The bezel opens upward via a hinge located near the 12 o'clock position, with the pendant and round bow positioned at the 12 o'clock crown. The source reports that the case includes an original watch paper inside.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner side of the case is hallmarked Silver , London 1801 and numbered 9208.”
  • “The pair case has an original watch paper inside.”
  • “Silver case bezel opened upward via a hinge located near the 12 o'clock position”

Dial Characteristics

The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and an outer five-minute division track. The hands are described as golden/yellow-toned.

A hairline crack is visible across the lower left quadrant of the enamel dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white enamel dial has black handwritten Roman numerals with black outer five-minute divisions.”
  • “The dial has elegant golden hands.”
  • “Subtle hairline crack visible across the lower left quadrant of the enamel dial”

Movement

The watch contains an English gilt key-wound verge movement featuring round baluster pillars, a plain balance cock, and a silver disc regulator.

The movement is signed 'M Williams, London' and is numbered 9208.

Evidence for this section
  • “The English verge gilt key-wound movement has a plain cock and silver disc regulator.”
  • “The movement is signed “M Williams, London” and numbered 9208.”

Open research questions

  • Verify the historical accuracy of the seller's claim that an 1801 piece is 'Victorian', given that Queen Victoria's reign began in 1837.
  • Investigate the provenance or significance of the 'original watch paper' mentioned as being inside the pair case.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Verge Pair Case Pocket Watch by M. Williams, London, 1801
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement SignatureM Williams, London“The movement is signed “M Williams, London” and numbered 9208.”
Hallmark Date and LocationLondon 1801“The inner side of the case is hallmarked Silver , London 1801 and numbered 9208.”
Dimensions and Weight56 mm diameter, 128.8 g weight“Diameter: 56 mm – Weight: 128.8g”
Movement TypeEnglish verge gilt key-wound movement“The English verge gilt key-wound movement has a plain cock and silver disc regulator.”
Weight128.8 g“Weight: 128.8g”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals
  • Outer minute track with diamond markers at the five-minute positions
  • Yellow-toned hour and minute hands mounted over a central square arbor
  • Silver case bezel opened upward via a hinge located near the 12 o'clock position
  • Silver pendant and round bow positioned at the 12 o'clock position
  • Subtle hairline crack visible across the lower left quadrant of the enamel dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement and outer pair case are not visible in the provided photograph; details rely entirely on dealer statements
  • The source text describes the piece as both 'Victorian' and dated to 1801, though 1801 predates Queen Victoria's reign

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Silver Verge Pair Case Pocket Watch London, 1801 as834a464 / Silververge9208

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record ea43481635

Terms in this record

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

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