What do I have here ?

[David_4906]

Could anyone help me get some info on the following? Sterling Silver case, key winding with a chain drive. Dial says Improved Patent. Movement comes out of front hinged at the top. Inside movement it has Sunderland E Berg 38865 Inside case cover of key opening English Stamps 1. Lion body 2. Old English R 3. Sheild with knights emblem 4. Rectangle stamped intials J*H
Any help would be appreciated. Thank You!
David

[David_4906]

Could anyone help me get some info on the following? Sterling Silver case, key winding with a chain drive. Dial says Improved Patent. Movement comes out of front hinged at the top. Inside movement it has Sunderland E Berg 38865 Inside case cover of key opening English Stamps 1. Lion body 2. Old English R 3. Sheild with knights emblem 4. Rectangle stamped intials J*H
Any help would be appreciated. Thank You!
David

[Dr. Jon]

You probably have a fairly typical English fusee lever watch.

The Lion rampant is the mark for Sterling Silver, The Old English "R" is the date letter. If upper case (capital) it would be 1852 lower case 1872 of 1832. They repeat every 20 years so you need to note the shape of the shield and carefully note the letter shape. The knights emblem is probably a leopard's head. If it has a crown it before about 1820 no crown after that. The Leopard's head is for London. If the symbol is an ANchor it was assayed in Birmingham and the R is for 1840. If the shield has sheaves ist Chester and the R is for 1855. J*H is the casemaker's or sponsirs mark.

[Jon Hanson]

May we see a scan?

[Wes]

Rectangle stamped intials J*H
AHA! Jon Hanson has been trademarking watch cases... :biggrin: :biggrin:

Okay - all kidding aside...

David - I got a call from someone today about one of these - perhaps it was you? If so, glad you found this board to ask about it. There are folks here who are very knowledgeable about fusees and English watches.

A photo of the movement, dial, and hallmarks would be very helpful in identifying this timepiece.

[Jon Hanson]

One of the English fellows did a book on case hallmarks for the assoc.--Phil Preistly???

It is worthwhile owning as it has a great deal of informaton in it!