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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Verge watch in silver pair inner case only, by W.I. Ward

Partially verified

This pocket watch from the Science Museum Group collection features a verge movement documented as signed by W.I. Ward of London, bearing movement number 2532. The piece is preserved in its silver inner case from a pair case set, hallmarked for 1794. Its white enamel dial displays Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute intervals around the outer perimeter, fitted with pierced decorative hands. Museum records note a tangent screw regulator and that the chain is missing.

Verge watch in silver pair inner case by W.I. Ward, hallmarked 1794
Verge watch in silver pair inner case by W.I. Ward, hallmarked 1794 — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
W.I. Ward
Reference
1916-208
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
hallmarked 1794
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2532

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

Object Identity and Case Housing

Recorded under museum object number 1916-208, this pocket watch is catalogued as a verge watch in a silver pair inner case only, attributed to W.I. Ward, London, no. 2532. Documented dimensions measure 20 mm in depth, 41 mm in width, and 65 mm in length, with an overall weight of 0.07 kg.

Visual observation indicates a silver inner case featuring a rounded pendant, loose bow, and an attached collection tag tab. The museum documentation notes that the case is hallmarked 1794 in London.

Evidence for this section
  • “Verge watch in silver pair inner case only, by W.I. Ward, London, no.2532”
  • “Measurements: overall: 20 mm x 41 mm x 65 mm, 0.07kg”
  • “Silver inner watch case with a rounded pendant, loose bow, and an attached collection tag tab.”
  • “Made: hallmarked 1794 in London”

Dial and External Display

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute numerals along an outer track. The display is fitted with centrally mounted, elaborately pierced brass or gilt hands.

Direct visual inspection shows visible surface scuffs or fine hairline marks on the crystal or dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute numerals along an outer track.”
  • “Elaborately pierced brass or gilt hands mounted at the center.”
  • “Visible surface scuffs or fine hairline marks on the crystal or dial.”

Reported Movement and Technical Details

Museum records list the movement as having a tangent screw regulator, noting that the chain is missing. These internal movement features cannot be visually confirmed from the exterior front view.

The documented materials for the object comprise enamel, brass (copper, zinc alloy), and silver. The object was credited to Mr. Evan Roberts.

Evidence for this section
  • “tangent screw regulator (chain missing)”
  • “Materials: enamel , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and silver”
  • “credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”

Open research questions

  • What silversmith maker's mark accompanies the 1794 London hallmark on the inner pair case?
  • Does the movement plate bear additional signatures or markings beyond 'W.I. Ward, London, no.2532'?
  • Why does the museum collection title date range specify 1750–1794 alongside the 1794 hallmark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Verge watch in silver pair inner case only, by W.I. Ward
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and Movement NumberW.I. Ward, London, no.2532“by W.I. Ward, London, no.2532”
Case Hallmark Date1794“Made: hallmarked 1794”
Object Number1916-208“Object Number: 1916-208”
MaterialsEnamel, brass (copper, zinc alloy) and silver“Materials: enamel , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and silver”
Technical DetailsTangent screw regulator (chain missing)“tangent screw regulator (chain missing)”
Measurements20 mm x 41 mm x 65 mm, 0.07 kg“Measurements: overall: 20 mm x 41 mm x 65 mm, 0.07kg”
Acquisition CreditMr. Evan Roberts“credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute numerals along an outer track.
  • Elaborately pierced brass or gilt hands mounted at the center.
  • Silver inner watch case with a rounded pendant, loose bow, and an attached collection tag tab.
  • Visible surface scuffs or fine hairline marks on the crystal or dial.

Research qualifications

  • The outer pair case is missing as documented in the collection records.
  • Movement details, including the tangent screw regulator and serial number, are housed internally and not visible in the front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch in Silver Case by Ward, 1750-1794 | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8375a094ad

Terms in this record

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

Other verge pocket watch records