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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch and pair case

William Knottesford Pocket Watch and Pair Case

Partially verified

This pocket watch is contained within a pair case, both components constructed from pierced and engraved gold. The assembly includes an inner case associated with Nathaniel Delander, bearing London hallmarks for 1683-4. The outer pair case is attributed to maker Richard Blundell and features London hallmarks for 1695-6. The watch movement is signed by William Knottesford of London. The design incorporates a rounded profile, a decorative pendant, and a matching bow at the top. The watch dial is protected by a cover and displays concentric chapter rings alongside ornamental engraving. The combination of differing hallmarked cases suggests a composite assembly of components from the late 17th century. This item is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum under accession number 298:1&:2-1864, representing a document of 17th-century English watchmaking practice involving specialized case production and engraving techniques.

The dial of the William Knottesford watch, showing concentric chapter rings and the signature 'KNOTFORD LONDON' on the dial.
The dial of the William Knottesford watch, showing concentric chapter rings and the signature 'KNOTFORD LONDON' on the dial. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch and pair case
Maker / attribution
William Knottesford
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
298:1&:2-1864
Source-reported date
1683-1696
Source-reported place
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

Case Construction and Hallmarking

The watch is housed in an assembly consisting of two distinct gold cases. The inner case is attributed to the maker Nathaniel Delander and bears London hallmarks corresponding to the 1683-1684 period. This component serves as the primary enclosure for the watch movement.

A secondary outer pair case provides additional protection. This outer component was crafted by Richard Blundell and carries London hallmarks indicating it was hallmarked between 1695 and 1696. The use of these two cases, hallmarked over a decade apart, indicates that the watch and its protective outer shell were produced or assembled as a unit at different times during the late 17th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “the inner case was made by Nathaniel Delander and carries London hallmarks for 1683-4”
  • “the outer pair case was crafted by Richard Blundell and bears London hallmarks for 1695-6”

Dial and Signed Components

The dial plate is signed by William Knottesford of London, identifying the maker responsible for the watch assembly.

The exterior of the watch assembly displays a rounded profile. It is equipped with a decorative pendant and an integrated bow located at the top of the case to facilitate carrying or attachment. A protective cover is present to conceal and protect the dial when the watch is not in active use.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is signed 'William Knottesford, London.'”
  • “It features a rounded profile with a decorative pendant and bow at the top, along with a protective cover revealing the watch dial.”

Museum Provenance

This object is preserved within the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is identified under the accession number 298:1&:2-1864. The documentation for this item relies on museum records that verify its status as a single watch and pair case assembly.

The physical object is composed of pierced and engraved gold throughout both the inner and outer cases. The Victoria and Albert Museum classification confirms the object's identity as a watch and pair case, noting its formal construction and the specific signatures and hallmarks present on its components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Museum object name Watch and pair case”
  • “Museum object number 298:1&:2-1864”
  • “Material Pierced and engraved gold”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type utilized by William Knottesford in this assembly?
  • Are there specific archival links between Nathaniel Delander and William Knottesford regarding this commission?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for William Knottesford Pocket Watch and Pair Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWilliam Knottesford“signed 'William Knottesford, London.'”
Inner Case MakerNathaniel Delander“the inner case was made by Nathaniel Delander”
Inner Case Hallmark Date1683-1684“carries London hallmarks for 1683-4”
Outer Case MakerRichard Blundell“the outer pair case was crafted by Richard Blundell”
Outer Case Hallmark Date1695-1696“bears London hallmarks for 1695-6”
MaterialGold“pierced and engraved gold”
Museum Number298:1&:2-1864“298:1&:2-1864”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved gold case construction
  • Concentric chapter rings on the watch dial
  • Signed 'KNOTFORD LONDON' on the dial plate
  • Rounded top pendant and bow

Research qualifications

  • The assembly comprises cases from different manufacturing periods
  • The specific movement production date remains undocumented

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

Consulted source

Watch and pair case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8d06894317

Terms in this record

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