Lot 33
J. Sewill, Liverpool. An impressive 18k gold hunting case keyless chronometer pocket watch with spring detent escapement
No.28611, Hallmarked London 1881, sold on March 17, 1882
Auction: 20 May 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
Gilt three-quarter plate movement, large cut and compensated bi-metallic balance with helical hairspring, diamond end-stone, spring detent chronometer escapement, white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, gilt hands, inset subsidiary dials for running seconds and up/down indicator, substantial 18k gold case stamped JS within oval cartouche, plain gold cuvette with winding holes.
Accompanied by the original fitted J.Sewill, Liverpool and London presentation case, original numbered sales receipt dated March 17, 1882, for £55 and an 15k gold chain to 9k gold T-bar.
Dimensions
Pocket watch diameter 56mm, thickness 15mm, approx. total weight 167.11g. Chain approx. length 38.5cm, weight 40g.
Footnote
The original receipt lists the purchaser as Dr G W Roberts. Dr Roberts was a student at Edinburgh University, passing his examinations with distinction in 1864 and continued to practice medicine for a further 41 years. He was a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, Licentiate Fac. Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, Licentiate Society of Apothecaries, London and obtained the valuable degree of M.D. of the University of St Andrews in 1882, the same year he purchased the pocket watch. According to newspaper clipping on his passing, Dr Roberts is described as an unaffected, unostentatious man with a true gentlemanly bearing towards all.