Family heirloom Pocket Watch

[BigMouth]

My grandmother brought this watch with her from Scotland in the early 1900's. When she died I inherited it and I have had it locked away in a cigar box ever since, with one exception. As a teenager I couldn't resist the temptation to use it and sure enough I shattered the original crystal. As I recall it was perhaps cut glass as it had very crisp features. My mother had the crystal replaced however it is not much like the original. Now in my 60's, and interested in handing it down in the family, I would like to have the crystal replaced with something more original.
Not sure about the origin, age, etcetera, so I am including these photos. I realize there are zillions of submissions along these lines, but what the heck, thought I'd try anyway. The silver stamps are almost illegible.
Thank you for any info someone might be able to provide.

 

[Skutt50]

You seem to have a fusee watch, British made possibly in the first half of the 19:th century.....

Could you try to get some sharp pictures close up of the hallmarks and we may be able to narrow the age down further.....

The crystal can be replaced but the question is what you are looking for.... Do you have any memory if e.g. there was a flat center which we call Fish Eye

 

[gmorse]

Hi,

The Assay Office mark in both of the pair cases could be Edinburgh, which would fit with its provenance, and if that's so, the date letter looks as though it belongs in the series from 1832 to 1856. I'd put it towards the latter end of that range, but, as Skutt says, a clearer picture of the hallmarks will tell us more.

Regards,

Graham

 

[BigMouth]

Thank you so much. You both have me feeling quite optimistic about this watch. I do remember the crystal and it was indeed flat in the center and more or less faceted around the perimeter. When I broke it I can remember the cracks looking like the cracks you see in pond ice when skating. In my opinion the glass was much like leaded glass, but I am totally uncertain of what type of glass would have been typical.
I will work to get better shots of the hallmarks and put them up on this thread, perhaps tomorrow, but certainly as soon as I can. I would be very appreciative if both of you could stay with me on this once I provide more and better information.

Thank you again.

 

[Skutt50]

Keep them pictures coming, wee will be here!

Glass crystals came in many shapes.... The center circle as a flat section is called Fish Eye. Someone told me it was mad as a selling gimmick so one could rest a pocket watch on the night stand without it starting to oscillate from the balance movement. Another explanation I saw was that it was where the crystal was held during manufacture and the flat came from when the "hold" was ground off.... I don't know what is true!

Anyway it is not extremely hard to find Fish Eye crystals (even if more difficult than normal crystals) but with a facet that may be more difficult! It is however not unlikely that the crystal you broke was a replacement as such since many watches have had their crystals broken and replaced over the years.

What is the diameter of the current crystal?

 

[gmorse]

... The center circle as a flat section is called Fish Eye. Someone told me it was mad as a selling gimmick so one could rest a pocket watch on the night stand without it starting to oscillate from the balance movement.

More likely to be the selling gimmick reason I think, and you may also see these referred to as "bullseye" crystals.

 

[eri231]

Another explanation I saw was that it was where the crystal was held during manufacture and the flat came from when the "hold" was ground off.... I don't know what is true!

true early verge glasses were come one by one from a crystal ball. and were without the flat
regards enrico

 

[BigMouth]

I have taken a couple more photos of the hallmarks and I think they are clear enough for better interpretation. To answer a question posed below, the crystal is 1.66 inches (~42mm), not including whatever is behind the bezel for mounting purposes. Also, the Serial Number on the movement is 50407.

I look forward to hearing if the age can be determined.

 

[Squite]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it was assayed in London in 1872.

 

[gmorse]

Hi,

Squite is on a safe limb with the date, and "HB" is Henry Bamford in Clerkenwell, London.

Regards,

Graham

 

[BigMouth]

Thank you all. I am very appreciative for all the information provided by the members of this organization. Knowing the origin, date of manufacture, and who actually made this timepiece, only adds to the wonderfullness of the watch.

Again, my sincere thanks.