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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

Thomas Russell & Son Enamelled Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This late Victorian half hunter pocket watch is attributed by the source to Thomas Russell & Son of Liverpool and dated to circa the 1880s. The 18k gold case features chased foliate scrollwork borders enclosing a salmon-pink guilloché enamel chapter ring with dark blue enamel Roman numerals. The central viewing aperture reveals a plain white inner dial with gold-toned hands and the inscription 'LIVERPOOL'. The source reports that both the movement and dial are signed 'Thos Russell and Son, Liverpool'. According to seller specifications, the piece measures 50 mm in length, 35 mm in diameter, 10 mm in height, and has a gross weight of 38.7 grams.

Front view of an 18k gold half hunter pocket watch featuring a salmon-pink enamel chapter ring, attributed to Thomas Russell & Son
Front view of an 18k gold half hunter pocket watch featuring a salmon-pink enamel chapter ring, attributed to Thomas Russell & Son — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Russell & Son
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880s
Country
England

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 Attributed Dating

The pocket watch is catalogued by the source as an 18k gold piece originating in England and attributed to maker Thomas Russell & Son of Liverpool. The listing categorises the piece under the Late Victorian style and provides a period range of 1880–1889, as well as an approximate manufacturing date in the 1880s.

Both the movement and the dial are reported by the seller to be signed 'Thos Russell and Son, Liverpool'. While direct inspection of the central front aperture confirms the visible inscription 'LIVERPOOL', the complete signature across the dial face and the reported movement markings are not visible in the provided closed-case view.

Evidence for this section
  • “Creator: Thomas Russell & Son”
  • “Place of Origin: England”
  • “Period: 1880-1889”
  • “The watch movement and dial are signed Thos Russell and Son, Liverpool, dating back to around 1880.”

Case Construction and Exterior Enamelling

The pocket watch features a half hunter case constructed from 18k gold and enamel, measuring 50 mm in length, 35 mm in diameter, and 10 mm in height or thickness. The seller specifies a gross weight of 38.7 grams (also stated in the listing description as 24.9 dwt).

Visual observation confirms that the front cover incorporates a salmon-pink enamel chapter ring bearing dark blue Roman numerals encircling a central circular viewing aperture. The outer border and bezel area are densely engraved with scrolling foliate and chased decorative patterns, with a grooved winding crown and pendant at the 12 o'clock position and a case hinge along the bottom edge opposite.

Evidence for this section
  • “Metal: Gold,18k Gold,Enamel”
  • “Weight: 38.7 Grams gross weight”
  • “Height: 10 mm (0.4 in)Diameter: 35 mm (1.38 in)Length: 50 mm (1.97 in)”
  • “Front cover incorporates a salmon-pink enamel chapter ring bearing dark blue Roman numerals encircling a central circular viewing aperture.”
  • “Outer border and bezel area are densely engraved with scrolling foliate and chased decorative patterns.”

Dial and Mechanism Details

Through the central aperture of the closed front cover, an inner white dial is visible, fitted with central gold-toned hands, a central hand arbor, and the printed vertical text 'LIVERPOOL'.

Specific internal movement attributes—such as the caliber layout, escapement configuration, jewel count, and any inner case hallmarks or serial numbers—are not recorded in the source text or depicted in the available photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “White inner dial is visible through the aperture, showing a central hand arbor, gold-toned hands, and the printed vertical inscription 'LIVERPOOL'.”
  • “The watch movement and dial are signed Thos Russell and Son, Liverpool”

Open research questions

  • What specific escapement mechanism and jewel count are present on the movement?
  • What assay hallmarks, date letters, or sponsor marks are stamped on the interior case lids?
  • Does the movement or case cuvette bear a serial number linking it to Thomas Russell & Son production records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Russell & Son Enamelled Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Russell & Son“Creator: Thomas Russell & Son”
MetalGold, 18k Gold, Enamel“Metal: Gold,18k Gold,Enamel”
Gross Weight38.7 Grams“Weight: 38.7 Grams gross weight”
DimensionsHeight: 10 mm, Diameter: 35 mm, Length: 50 mm“Height: 10 mm (0.4 in)Diameter: 35 mm (1.38 in)Length: 50 mm (1.97 in)”
Date of Manufacture1880s“Date of Manufacture: 1880s”
SignatureThos Russell and Son, Liverpool“The watch movement and dial are signed Thos Russell and Son, Liverpool”
Gross Weight (Pennyweights)24.9 dwt“this pocket watch has a gross weight of 24.9 dwt”
StyleLate Victorian“Style: Late Victorian”
Period1880-1889“Period: 1880-1889”
Reported ConditionGood“Condition: Good”

Visible details

  • Front cover incorporates a salmon-pink enamel chapter ring bearing dark blue Roman numerals encircling a central circular viewing aperture.
  • Outer border and bezel area are densely engraved with scrolling foliate and chased decorative patterns.
  • White inner dial is visible through the aperture, showing a central hand arbor, gold-toned hands, and the printed vertical inscription 'LIVERPOOL'.
  • Pendant and grooved winding crown are attached at the top at the 12 o'clock position with a smooth rounded bow.
  • Case hinge is positioned along the lower edge opposite the winding crown.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, jewel bearings, and escapement details are neither depicted nor described in the provided source text.
  • The full dial signature and serial marks mentioned in other views are obscured or omitted from the single supplied image.

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

Consulted source

Enamelled Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch - 1880s » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3a4404e0d0

Terms in this record

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

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