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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Verge pocket watch movement

Thomas Tompion verge pocket watch movement No. 3140

Partially verified

This pocket watch movement by Thomas Tompion is catalogued as movement number 3140 and dated to circa 1700. It features a gilt full plate fusee verge design measuring 49 mm, fitted with tulip pillars, a three-arm steel balance, and a silvered regulation disc. The pierced and engraved balance cock displays an unusual mask motif. Housed in a gilt metal hinged-back case containing a handwritten paper pad lining, the lot is noted by Bonhams as lacking its later white enamel dial. Source documentation notes a previous appearance at Sotheby's in 1981 and literature citation in Jeremy Evans' 'Dial and 3 crowns'.

Thomas Tompion fusee verge pocket watch movement No. 3140 in an open hinged gilt metal case
Thomas Tompion fusee verge pocket watch movement No. 3140 in an open hinged gilt metal case — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Movement · Verge pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Thomas Tompion
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
42
Source-reported date
Circa 1700
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
3140

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

Movement Architecture and Details

The lot is catalogued as a gilt full plate fusee verge movement measuring 49 mm in diameter, constructed with tulip pillars, a three-arm steel balance, and silvered regulation. Visual inspection shows blued steel screws securing the balance cock and foot.

The plate rim is engraved with the signature and serial number 'Tho Tompion London 3140'. The pierced and engraved balance cock displays foliate work, and the cataloguer specifically notes that it features an 'unusual mask on the balance cock'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt full plate fusee verge movement with pierced and engraved balance cock and steel 3-arm balance, silvered regulation, tulip pillars”
  • “movement signed and numbered 49mm.”
  • “Engraved signature and number 'Tho Tompion London 3140' along the plate rim.”
  • “Blued steel screws securing the balance cock and foot.”
  • “This particular movement has an unusual mask on the balance cock”

Case and Missing Dial

The movement is set within a gilt metal hinged back case. Observations note that the hinged case back is fitted with a paper lining inscribed with ink manuscript.

The assembly is catalogued as 'dial lacking' and described in the auction footnotes as 'Lacking its later white enamel dial'. Front views of the movement and dial side are not illustrated in the auction listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt metal hinged back case”
  • “Hinged gilt metal case back fitted with paper lining inscribed with ink manuscript.”
  • “dial lacking”
  • “Lacking its later white enamel dial”

Dating, Literature, and Provenance

The movement is assigned a date of 'Circa 1700' in Bonhams' lot title and description. It is cited in published horological literature, specifically listed in Jeremy Evans' 'Dial and 3 crowns,' P.91.

The auction catalog records prior provenance for the movement at Sotheby's on 22nd October 1981, lot 157.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circa 1700”
  • “Listed in Jeremy Evans' 'Dial and 3 crowns,' P.91.”
  • “Provenance: Sotheby's, 22nd October 1981, lot 157.”

Open research questions

  • What text is legible on the manuscript paper pad lining the inside of the hinged case back?
  • Does the gilt metal hinged back case date from circa 1700 or is it an associated protective outer case?
  • What motion work or pillar plate details survive on the unillustrated dial side of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Tompion verge pocket watch movement No. 3140
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Tompion“Thomas Tompion. A full plate verge pocket watch movement”
Movement Number3140“No.3140”
DateCirca 1700“Circa 1700”
Movement TypeGilt full plate fusee verge movement“Gilt full plate fusee verge movement with pierced and engraved balance cock and steel 3-arm balance”
PillarsTulip pillars“tulip pillars”
Missing ElementLacking its later white enamel dial“Lacking its later white enamel dial”
ProvenanceSotheby's, 22nd October 1981, lot 157“Provenance: Sotheby's, 22nd October 1981, lot 157.”
Literature CitationJeremy Evans, 'Dial and 3 crowns', p. 91“Listed in Jeremy Evans' 'Dial and 3 crowns,' P.91.”

Visible details

  • Gilt top plate with pierced and engraved foliate balance cock featuring a mask design.
  • Engraved signature and number 'Tho Tompion London 3140' along the plate rim.
  • Silvered regulator disc graduated with Arabic numerals.
  • Hinged gilt metal case back fitted with paper lining inscribed with ink manuscript.
  • Blued steel screws securing the balance cock and foot.

Research qualifications

  • The movement lacks its dial and the front side is not illustrated.
  • The case exterior is not depicted closed.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Thomas Tompion. A full plate verge pocket watch movementNo.3140, Circa 1700

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e9009abe11

Terms in this record

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