Auction Find - Unusual Hallmarked British Silver Antique Pocket Watch
I will start by saying I don't have a clue how much this one is worth! My husband found it in a bag of cheap costume jewelry. The casing is solid silver and rather frustratingly I have been unable to read the hallmarks. We also don't know who the maker is, but it does have a serial number. The watch is missing the glass, hands, and winding key. There is also damage to the hinges. We were unable to open the back to check the movement as there are 4 tiny screws securing the back cover that would need specialist removal. I listed it for R750 ($58) and will just have to see how it goes!!!
This watch weighs 110g and has a 5cm diameter. I simply love the snake detail around the hinges.
Update:
Thanks to the research of @sashin I was able to find out this watch was made in Chester in 1871 by the watchmaker John Harris.
Great find,] I am sure it's going to do well. There is always that anticipation when you get your finds home.
Yes!!!
Beautiful...love the snake detail as well...great find!
It is gorgeous! :)
Wow! This is like watching Pawnstars or Storage Wars. That is a lovely watch, the details are just awesome. An 18th century watch? How often do you get to find things like that?!
Unfortunately we don't find such fantastic things every day, but often "newer" collectibles can be even more valuable. We kind of specialise in the weird and quirky, but will sell everything we find. Just to let you know if something is dated to the 1800's it is referred to as the 19th century, and we are in currently in the 21st century. It is kind of weird though!
Haha indeed! Thanks for that info.. so that said.. 1800s artifacts being categorized as 19th century, do their price still amount to a considerable fortune?
Unfortunately not. Desirability and rarity play a much bigger role in determining the value of an item than age. But I do like the old stuff as I imagine all the hands the item has passed through.
That's right, the item's history is equally interesting. I feel the same when I buy used watches, I wonder about each scratch and dings, giving more character to the watch :) thanks for sharing @onetree
Only a pleasure.
Very cool find friend.
Thank you @duckmast3r
What a cool find!! I love pocket watches, and this one is amazing!!! :-D
Thank you, it is very beautiful!
Hi @onetree, I will do some research and get back to you:)
Thanks @sashin that will be awesome.
Hi @onetree,
John Harris 1869..1883
(registered Apr 1866 & 1874) Watch case Case maker, York Street, Coventry; later (1886) Hertford Place, Coventry
Note: may be 2 different watchcase makers of the same name
1889
(registered Sep 1886)
Thank you @sashin!!! mmmm, I think you may have to move into my business, your research skills are spot on! Clearly I have become slightly lazy by using the same resource. Your research fitted the other hallmarks, so I was able to date the watch to 1871. John Harris did not only make the watch cases, but the watches themselves. Due to your information I increased the price by R200. When the watch sells, I will send you a tip!
Thank you for the complement, I am a huge fan of shows like Pawn Stars and Auction Hunters as I mentioned, regarding the business aspect I prefer to leave it to the pros:)
but I do enjoy the research aspect of it. And for me it's just a absolute pleasure help someone out while I gather more knowledge , so it's a win win situation. I truly appreciate the tip but in the celebration of Mandela Day how about we donate that tip to a charity of your choice....
Very cool idea!
It's a pretty watch, maybe someone on steemit can identify it's maker.
That would be so wonderful. The maker can make a huge difference in determining price.
The hallmark on the case is definitely London 1863.
It's a beautiful watch, i LOVE the compass set in it.
It is a beautiful watch. I am tending to lean to the 1863 date, but the Chester 1871 mark also looks plausible. It doesn't really matter though, in this case.
No it really doesn't matter much, I am just certain the assay mark is a london lion (albit a bit rubbed)
I would love to own this, I am sure someone might be able to restore it.
I later had it checked by a watchmaker and it is for the most part in good condition. To get hands, glass and service the movement will cost about R1000. I have listed it fir R950. So to get it it perfect will cost about $180 ( if it doesn't become the subject of a bidding war.) The watchmaker told me he intends placing a bid.
do you have a item number for it? worldwide shipping?
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/294682489/1863_1871_Hallmarked_Silver_Antique_Pocket_Watch_With_Compass_Needs_Restoration.html
You would need to join the auction site I use, and I do ship worldwide. The auction closes 10:30am, Tuesday morning. (South Africa)
Thank you onetree:)