Cogs and Pieces

Description

Impressive and good quality English rack lever movement, in fine gold pair cases.

MOVEMENT The high quality gilded rack lever fusee movement, with finely engraved balance cock (marked 'PATENT', blued screws and diamond endstone, is in fine condition, with just some small scratches, and is running well. It is signed (John Moncas, Liverpool) and numbered (495). The movement would originally have had a removable gilt brass dustcap, which is absent.

DIAL The cream enamel dial is in perfect condition except for the crack on the edge between 9 and 10 (possibly previously restored). Nice matching gold hands.

INNER CASE Hallmarks for 18ct gold, Chester, 1815, maker TH. Perfect condition except for a small hole above the thumb piece on the bezel, where the steel catch has worn. Good high dome crystal with no scratches or other damage. The case snaps shut nicely. The back of the inner case bears a nicely engraved personal dedication.

OUTER CASE Gold hallmarks matching the inner. The hinge and catch are again fine and the case snaps shut. Excellent overall condition with just some small scratches on the back and very minor wear to the edge of the engine turning.
The case includes an interesting old watchpaper from the firm of Moncas in 60 Hanover Street, Liverpool.
The cases, excluding movement and crystal, weigh 47.5 gms.

John Moncas is listed in Liverpool, Castle Street between 1822 and 1837. However an interesting excerpt from proceedings of the Lancaster Court House (London Gazette, 1833), states
“John Moncas, formerly of Hanover Street, and late of Castle Street, both in Liverpool, Lancashire, Chronometer and Watch Manufacturer”.
Commercial directories of 1818-20 also list John Moncas at 60 Hanover Street. So this watch, with a low serial number, is a very early example of a John Moncas rack lever.
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