Gold Liverpool Rack Lever

MOVEMENT : Gilt rack lever movement, with engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, polished steel escape wheel, four round pillars, and blued screws. Signed (Josh. Johnson, LIVERPOOL) and numbered (548).

The movement is protected by a removable gilt dustcap.

This movement is in good condition, with just a few light scratches (mainly around the pillar tops) and an old repair to a couple of teeth on the fusee wheel. Running well.

DIAL : White enamel dial in good condition, with just a few surface scratches, a small repaired chip on the edge at 11 and some small chips around the centre. Nice gold hands.

INNER CASE : 18ct gold, with nice clear Chester hallmarks for 1815, maker’s mark T over TH, and serial number matching the movement.

In reasonable condition, with some wear and an old repair to the bow, a light bruise to the back, and some wear to the band resulting in a fine split around part of the band (a weakness in the original construction rather than a later repair).
The bezel snaps shut correctly, and the high dome crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : 18ct. gold pair case with clear matching hallmarks to the inner (matching gold marks also on the bezel).

Again in generally good condition, with just some light scratches and a crease across the inside of the back, which is evidence of an old repair. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut correctly.

The case maker’s mark is for Thomas Helsby of Liverpool.

Joseph Johnson is listed in Liverpool between 1800 and 1851.