Euro Antique Watches

Description

Rare Silver Massey Type 3 Pocket Watch

Made in England - Hallmarked Birmingham 1891

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!!


This is a very rare solid silver Massey Type 3 open face pocket watch made England in the late 19th Century. It comes with its original old key making it an extremely valuable timepiece and a must-have collector’s item!

This pocket watch is in excellent condition - it has been fully cleaned and is keeping remarkable time considering its age.
DIAL: The white enamel dial has black Roman numerals with outer minute divisions. The dial has spade hands and a subsidiary second’s dial at the six. The bow is hallmarked sterling silver (925).

MOVEMENT: The keyless fusee lever escapement movement has a three-armed balance and boasts a large diamond end-stone together with Liverpool window stones. The movement is signed Litherland Davies & Co. and numbered 17633. The Massey lever was only patented in November 1814, so this watch represents a very early example of this type of escapement.

The movement is currently functioning well, but due to its antique nature, we cannot guarantee precise accuracy.

CASE: The watch lies in a silver case with a smooth finish and a monogram free cartouche. The inner side of the case is hallmarked Birmingham 1891 and numbered 77633.

Signed: Litherland Davies & Co.

Diameter 50mm - Weight 114g

Made in England and Hallmarked Birmingham 1891

Edward Massey was born in 1772 and settled in London at 28 King Street, Clerkenwell. He invented the Massey lever escapement and this was patented on 6 November 1814. He went on to develop and improve his escapement with the Massey No 1, 2, 3, and 5. The Massey lever was preferred to the Rack lever at this time and used extensively by the better quality Liverpool watch-makers. There are also subtle variations, some with limited draw and also those with different profiles to the pallet shape. (See Britten, Bailey, Loomes etc and most importantly the key document by Alan Treherne who classified these escapements into the series 1-5).

In terms of rarity, the Massey 3 is the most common of these escapements next up in the uncommon category is the Massey 2 followed by the rare Massey 1 and then the very rare Massey 5 escapement. The Massey 4 is exceptionally rare, and today unless you are prepared to pay around £3500-£4000 it is unlikely you will ever see or find one.

Are you looking to sell your pocket watch collection? Euro Antique Watches have been in business for over 35 years and are experts in antique pocket watch appraisal. We will be delighted to offer you a competitive price for your valuable collection. Please email leslie2626@gmail.com for more information.



As always, all my shipping items are sent out with Royal Mail signed for and registered Post, with tracking available.