MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock. Fully signed and numbered (30954). Good condition and running well.

DIAL : Wonderful enamel and gilt “Keep me clean” dial. This is in perfect condition, which is very rare as these dials usually have at least one crack across the enamel chapter ring. The central gilt disk is engraved with :

KEEP ME CLEAN AND USE ME WELL.

THE TRUTH TO YOU I THEN WILL TELL.

The dial is unusual, as the motto is usually engraved on these watches on the gilt rim outside the chapter ring.

INNER CASE : Silver, hallmarked for Birmingham 1845, maker’s mark WC, and movement no. (30954). The case snaps shut nicely and the silver is in very good condition ewith just a couple of light bruises. The high dome bull’s eye crystal has scratches and wear but no chips or cracks..

The back of the case is engraved with :

JC? Roberts

Crawshays Arms

Aberaman

OUTER CASE : Heavy silver case, with matching hallmarks to the inner. The hinge and catch are fine and the case shuts correctly. The silver has just a couple of small bruises on the back and a scratch (not a crack) at the button, but generally in very good condition.

William Jones is listed in Merthyr Tydfil (Wales) between 1820 and 1851.