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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Verge fusee pocket watch movement

Summerhayes Ilminster verge fusee pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This object is a Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement catalogued by dealer Atlam Watches and dated to circa 1810. The gilt full-plate movement is engraved on the top plate with the maker's signature 'R Summerhayes, Ilminster' and serial number 23811. It features a finely pierced and engraved floral balance cock and an engraved regulator scale marked with SLOW. The movement measures 47 mm by 15 mm. According to the seller, it retains its balance and chain and can tick briefly, while the accompanying white enamel dial lacks hands and is damaged.

Top plate view of the gilt verge fusee pocket watch movement signed R Summerhayes, Ilminster
Top plate view of the gilt verge fusee pocket watch movement signed R Summerhayes, Ilminster — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Verge fusee pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
R Summerhayes
Reference
ME16 (AB-107857)
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c1810
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
23811

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

Identity and Attribution

The object is identified as a Georgian-period gilt verge fusee pocket watch movement. It is signed on the plate 'R Summerhayes, Ilminster' with the serial number '23811'.

The item is dated to the period of 1714 to 1837, with a specific approximate date of c1810 provided by the dealer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the gilt full plate verge movement has a pierced watch cock and is signed “R Summerhayes, Ilminster” 23811.”
  • “Period Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “Verge fusee pocket watch movement by Summerhayes, Ilminster c1810”

Movement Construction

The movement features a full plate gilt construction and includes a pierced watch cock.

Operational claims provided by the dealer state that the movement retains its balance and chain and is capable of ticking briefly.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt full plate verge movement has a pierced watch cock”
  • “It has a good balance and chain and will tick briefly”

Dial and Condition

The movement is accompanied by a white enamel dial, which is recorded as being damaged and lacking hands.

The seller has described the movement as being in '90% mint condition'.

Evidence for this section
  • “the white enamel dial has no hands and is damaged”
  • “The movement is in 90% mint condition”

Open research questions

  • Are there historical records confirming an 'R Summerhayes' working in Ilminster during the early 19th century?
  • Does the serial number 23811 align with known records for Summerhayes?
  • What is the specific nature of the damage to the enamel dial mentioned in the source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Summerhayes Ilminster verge fusee pocket watch movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureR Summerhayes, Ilminster“signed “R Summerhayes, Ilminster” 23811”
Movement TypeGilt full plate verge movement“gilt full plate verge movement has a pierced watch cock”
Dimensions47mm x 15mm“The movement measures 47mm x 15mm”
PeriodGeorgian (1714 to 1837)“Period Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
Dimensions47mm x 15mm“The movement measures 47mm x 15mm”
Dealer ReferenceME16 (AB-107857)“Code ME16 (AB-107857)”

Visible details

  • Gilt full plate engraved in cursive with 'R Summerhayes' over 'Ilminster' and serial '23811'
  • Elaborately pierced foliate balance cock with a central rosette motif and engraved foot
  • Regulator index marked with 'SLOW' and segmented graduation marks
  • Top plate displays blued screws and steel components
  • Hinged case lug visible at the outer edge

Research qualifications

  • Country of manufacture is not stated in the source text, though Ilminster is located in Somerset, England
  • Dial side and damage mentioned in the seller description are not visible in the provided top-plate photograph
  • Ticking capability and chain presence are seller-reported claims

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

Consulted source

Verge fusee pocket watch movement by Summerhayes, Ilminster c1810 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 7e43f3c39a

Terms in this record

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

Other verge fusee pocket watch movement records