Early 19thc. Dublin rack lever

A good early example of a Dublin rack lever watch.

MOVEMENT : Gilt movement, with rack lever escapement. Engraved and pierced balance cock, with diamond endstone. Blued steel screws. Four round pillars.

Signed Scott, Dublin and numbered 270. The balance cock is engraved with ‘PATENT, PL”, so made under the patent of Peter Litherland (inventor of the rack lever).

The dial plate is engraved “ROSKEL” which refers to Robert Roskell, a well known maker of fine quality rack lever watches.

In good condition, though the movement catch and stop/start lever are missing. Running well.

The movement is protected by a removable gilt dustcap.

DIAL : Original cream enamel dial, with subsidiary seconds. In good condition, though with one light hairline running from 11 to the centre of the seconds subsidiary dial.

Gilt hands.

CASE : A silver case, with Chester hallmarks for 1814 and maker’s mark RL. Plain polished silver with milled band.

In good condition, with a few small bruises and scratches, and some wear to the milled edge. The hinges are fine and cover and bezel snap shut correctly. The crystal is good.

This watch was almost certainly made by Peter Litherland in Liverpool, who made rack levers to be retailed in Ireland.