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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

T.R. Russell 18ct Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch features an 18ct gold case measuring 40 mm in diameter and weighing 49 grams in total, according to the auctioneer. The watch is fitted with a gold-coloured dial decorated with a central foliate motif and black Roman numeral hour markers, encircled by a textured bezel border. The reverse of the case is described as having foliate and cartouche engraving, while an inner case inscription records the date 1886. The movement is signed T.R. Russell. The lot is accompanied by a key and a fitted retailer box.

Front view of the 18ct gold open-faced pocket watch with foliate dial and accompanying watch key
Front view of the 18ct gold open-faced pocket watch with foliate dial and accompanying watch key — Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
T.R. Russell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1809
Source-reported date
Circa 1886
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

Case Construction and Decoration

The pocket watch features an 18ct gold case. It measures 40mm in diameter and has a weight of 49 grams.

The reverse of the case is decorated with foliate engraving and a cartouche.

Evidence for this section
  • “AN 18CT GOLD OPEN FACED POCKET WATCH”
  • “foliate engraved and cartouche decoration to the back case”
  • “40mm dia., 49 grams.”

Dial and Movement

The watch is fitted with a gold-coloured, foliate-decorated dial featuring Roman numerals.

The movement is signed by the maker, T.R. Russell.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gold coloured foliate dial with Roman numerals”
  • “the movement signed T.R. Russell”

Associated Accessories

The lot includes a watch key and a fitted retailer box for T.R. Russell, located at 18 Church Street, Liverpool.

An inscription is recorded on the inner case, dated 1886.

Evidence for this section
  • “With watch key”
  • “With fitted case for T.R. Russell, 18 Church Street, Liverpool”
  • “with inscription to the inner case dated for 1886”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 1886 date inscribed on the inner case?
  • Does the retailer address on the box, 18 Church Street, Liverpool, provide a timeframe for the production or retail history of this specific watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for T.R. Russell 18ct Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18ct gold“AN 18CT GOLD OPEN FACED POCKET WATCH”
Dial DesignGold coloured foliate dial with Roman numerals“the gold coloured foliate dial with Roman numerals”
Case DecorationFoliate engraved and cartouche decoration to the back case“with foliate engraved and cartouche decoration to the back case”
Movement SignatureT.R. Russell“the movement signed T.R. Russell”
Inscription Date1886“with inscription to the inner case dated for 1886”
Dimensions and Weight40mm diameter, 49 grams“40mm dia., 49 grams.”
Weight49 grams“49 grams.”

Visible details

  • Gold-tone dial centered with engraved floral sprays and framed by black Roman numerals and blued hands.
  • Patterned engine-turned or foliate borders around the bezel and case band.
  • Suspension loop at the top attached to a bow with an additional jump ring, shown alongside an ornate metal watch key.

Research qualifications

  • The fitted box and inner case inscription described in the text are not shown in this photograph.
  • The 1886 date is based solely on an inner case inscription cited by the cataloguer.

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

Consulted source

AN 18CT GOLD OPEN FACED POCKET WATCH the gold coloured foliate dial with Roman numerals, with fol

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record ae0e31b6d5

Terms in this record

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

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