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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Fusee chains

Twelve Watch Fusee Chains on Card

Partially verified

This museum accession consists of twelve watch fusee chains preserved wound around a single rectangular mounting card. The Science Museum Group records the components as unsigned, produced in Europe between 1920 and 1960, and catalogued under object number 1967-24. According to museum documentation, the materials comprise steel, cardboard, and paper, with overall dimensions measuring 2 mm by 49 mm by 64 mm (2½ by 1 7/8 inches). The fine metal chains are arranged in two spaced groupings across the card.

Twelve watch fusee chains wound on card (Science Museum Group, object 1967-24)
Twelve watch fusee chains wound on card (Science Museum Group, object 1967-24) — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Component · Fusee chains
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1967-24
Source-reported date
1920-1960
Country
Europe

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

Physical Configuration

The object consists of twelve fine-pitch metal fusee chains wound parallel around a single rectangular card. The chains are arranged into two distinct, spaced bands across the card support.

The support is constructed from brown paper or cardboard with triangular notched corners that reveal a paler backing layer beneath. Small punctures or mounting holes are present near the upper and lower edges of the card.

Evidence for this section
  • “Twelve fine-pitch metal fusee chains wound parallel around a small rectangular card.”
  • “The chains are grouped into two bands across the card support.”
  • “The brown paper or cardboard card has triangular notched corners revealing a paler backing card beneath.”
  • “Small punctures or mounting holes are visible near the upper and lower edges of the backing card.”

Materials and Dimensions

The assembly is composed of steel metal chains mounted on cardboard and paper fiber. The overall dimensions are recorded as 2 mm by 49 mm by 64 mm.

The object is catalogued as a watch component.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: steel (metal) , cardboard and paper (fibre product)”
  • “Measurements: overall: 2 mm x 49 mm x 64 mm”
  • “12 watch fusee chains, wound on one piece of card”

Origin and Documentation

The set is recorded as having been produced in Europe between 1920 and 1960. The chains are unsigned and the maker is recorded as unknown.

The object is held by the Science Museum Group under accession number 1967-24.

Evidence for this section
  • “unsigned, Europe, 1920-1960.”
  • “maker: Unknown”
  • “Object Number: 1967-24”

Open research questions

  • Does the physical evidence on the reverse of the card provide information on the manufacturer or distributor?
  • What specific horological context defines the 1920-1960 production range for these components?
  • Do the mounting hole patterns indicate the chains were intended for retail display or workshop storage?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Twelve Watch Fusee Chains on Card
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1967-24“Object Number: 1967-24”
MaterialsSteel, cardboard and paper“Materials: steel (metal) , cardboard and paper (fibre product)”
Measurements2 mm x 49 mm x 64 mm“Measurements: overall: 2 mm x 49 mm x 64 mm”
Description12 watch fusee chains wound on card“12 watch fusee chains, wound on one piece of card 2½ x 1 7/8-inches, unsigned, Europe, 1920-1960.”
CreditR.P.G. Richards“credit: Richards, R.P.G.”

Visible details

  • Twelve fine-pitch metal fusee chains wound parallel around a small rectangular card.
  • The brown paper or cardboard card has triangular notched corners revealing a paler backing card beneath.
  • The chains are grouped into two bands across the card support.
  • Small punctures or mounting holes are visible near the upper and lower edges of the backing card.

Research qualifications

  • The maker is unsigned and unrecorded.
  • The reverse side of the card is not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

12 watch fusee chains | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 0fc72f6149

Terms in this record

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