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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pair case outer case

Victorian English silver pair case outer case, London 1873

Partially verified

This item is an antique English silver outer case made for a pair-cased fusee or lever pocket watch. According to the seller, it bears hallmarks for London, 1873, and features a plain smooth finish across the back, accompanied by an intact hinge, clasp, and button. The piece measures 51 mm by 15 mm externally, with an inner width of 44.5 mm. The interior view reveals the circular silver rim, the catch spring strip mounted inside the bowl, and a small cracked rectangular insert.

Interior view of the silver pair case outer case showing the inner catch mechanism and insert
Interior view of the silver pair case outer case showing the inner catch mechanism and insert — Atlam Watches / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Pair case outer case
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
CE76 (AB-291783)
Source-reported date
1873
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

Object Identity and Typology

This listing describes an English silver outer case intended for a pair-cased pocket watch, specified by the seller as suitable for a fusee or lever movement. The dealer dates the item to 1873 with London hallmarks and classifies it under the Victorian period (1837 to 1901).

The item is offered as an isolated outer case component. No inner case, movement, dial, or associated watch mechanism is included or shown in the listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “English silver outer case for a pair case FUSEE or Lever London 1873”
  • “This English silver case has clear hallmarks for London 1873”
  • “Period 19th Century, Victorian (1837 to 1901)”

Physical Characteristics and Visible Construction

Visual observation of the single provided photograph shows an interior perspective of a circular silver outer case bowl with a raised bezel rim. An external hinge knuckle is visible along the left flank, while a top push-piece button and catch aperture are positioned at the upper edge.

Mounted inside the hollow of the bowl is a flat spring strip secured horizontally, serving the catch mechanism. Resting loose within the bowl is a small, rectangular cracked pad or insert made of paper or card. According to dealer measurements, the external dimensions are 51 mm by 15 mm, with an internal width of 44.5 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Interior view of a round silver outer case bowl with raised bezel rim”
  • “External hinge knuckle visible along the left side of the rim”
  • “Flat spring strip riveted or secured horizontally inside the inner bowl”
  • “Small rectangular cracked paper or card pad resting loose inside the bowl”
  • “External measurements are 51mm x 15mm with an inner width of 44.5mm”

Seller Claims and Documentation Caveats

The dealer states that the case features "a smooth plain finish on the back" and "a good hinge, clasp and button," and rates the condition as "95% mint condition – superb condition." However, the external reverse is not illustrated in the listing photos.

Additionally, while the seller reports "clear hallmarks for London 1873," the specific assay marks, date letter, and maker's mark are not legibly discernible in the provided interior photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has a smooth plain finish on the back.”
  • “The case has a good hinge, clasp and button”
  • “The case is in 95% mint condition – superb condition”
  • “This English silver case has clear hallmarks for London 1873”

Open research questions

  • What maker's or casemaker's sponsor mark is stamped alongside the reported London 1873 hallmarks?
  • What is the origin, text, or functional purpose of the rectangular cracked card or paper insert resting inside the bowl?
  • Does the unpictured reverse exterior display any engraving, monogram, or wear?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian English silver pair case outer case, London 1873
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
HallmarksLondon 1873“This English silver case has clear hallmarks for London 1873”
ComponentsGood hinge, clasp, and button“The case has a good hinge, clasp and button”
Back FinishSmooth plain finish“It has a smooth plain finish on the back.”
Dimensions51 mm x 15 mm external, 44.5 mm inner width“External measurements are 51mm x 15mm with an inner width of 44.5mm”
Listing CodeCE76 (AB-291783)“Code CE76 (AB-291783)”
DealerAtlam Watches“Dealer Atlam Watches”
Dealer LocationLondon, United Kingdom“Atlam Watches London, United Kingdom”
Seller Condition Rating95% mint condition – superb condition“The case is in 95% mint condition – superb condition”

Visible details

  • Interior view of a round silver outer case bowl with raised bezel rim
  • Top push-piece button and catch aperture visible at the upper edge
  • Flat spring strip riveted or secured horizontally inside the inner bowl
  • Small rectangular cracked paper or card pad resting loose inside the bowl
  • External hinge knuckle visible along the left side of the rim

Research qualifications

  • The hallmarks identifying London 1873 are stated by the dealer but cannot be clearly read in the provided single interior photo
  • The smooth exterior back is reported by the dealer but not pictured

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

Consulted source

English silver outer case for a pair case FUSEE or Lever London 1873 in Antique Silver Other / misc

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 831ad394bc

Terms in this record

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