Rare Silver BENTLEY & BECK Duplex Pocket Watch. c.1815

Rare Silver BENTLEY & BECK Duplex Pocket Watch. c.1815

SOLD

To view larger images click on pictures below.

Rare, English, sterling silver, open face, key wound pocket watch with a duplex escapement. This watch was made by Bentley & Beck, Royal Exchange, London around 1815.

Large, heavy, sterling silver, open face case with hinged back and bezel. This is a early replacement case which was custom made for this watch in 1853. It was not uncommon in the 19th century for owners of watches to have their valuable original gold cases scrapped and have replacement silver cases made in their place. To reveal the key hole for winding, the back opens on a sprung-loaded hinge by depressing a button set into the pendant. The Movement is accessed by opening the hinged bezel, then unlocking the movement by depressing a sprung bolt at the 6 o'clock position. The movement can then be swung out on a hinge. The case is stamped with a full English (London) sterling silver hallmark corresponding to the year 1853, and also with the case maker's mark, "E.D.". The case has a beautifully hand engraved presentation inscription: "Presented to Henry John Watling by his Mother on his 18th Birthday. 1873" (see notes below). The inside of the case also has a small floral oil painting which is still perfectly preserved and adds an unusual and charming personal touch to the history of this watch. The bezel is still fitted with its original glass. Overall case dimensions: diameter (not including pendant): 56.5mm; depth (including glass): 23mm. Case condition : 80%.

Original off white enamel dial with hand painted black Roman numerals and large subsidiary seconds. Dial signed, "Bentley & Beck - Royal Exchange - London" and with the number, "752" (corresponding the movement ). Gilt broad spade hands and blued steel second hand. The time is changed by fitting the key over a steel stud in the centre of the hands. Dial condition : 90%.

Beautiful quality, gilt, full plate, fusee driven movement with duplex escapement . Key wound (comes with period key). The movement is engraved with the maker's name, "Bentley & Beck - Royal Exchange - London" and with the movement number, "752". Beautifully decorated balance cock with hand engraved foliate design. Diamond end stone. Large gold balance wheel with timing screws. Gilt dust cover, engraved, "Bentley & Beck". Movement condition (appearance) : 90%. Watch in running order, but does not keep accurate time.

This watch comes with 9 pages of research relating to the one-time owner of this watch, Henry John Watling (see description above). These include birth, marriage, death and census records.

Bentley & Beck were a company of watch, clock and chronometer makers who traded in London between 1815-1823. The partnership was formed between John Bentley (one-time foreman to James MacCabe) and James Beck. Their premises are listed as 5 Sweetings Alley, Cornhill (Royal Exchange) – 1815-18, 19 Cornhill – 1819, and 5 Popes Head Alley – 1820.

Research has found that, Henry John Watling was born in late 1855 in the parish of St Lukes in Islington, London. His father was Samuel Watling, a carpenter and his mother Eliza Watling. In 1861 he was living with his parents, brother and sister in Fosters Buildings, Whitecross Street, Islington. In 1871 at the age of 16, he was living in Culford Road, Hackney and working as a domestic servant for George Waller, a butcher. In 1881 he was working as a 'traveller' (travelling salesman) and living in Smith Street, Mile End Old Town, London. In 1891 he was still living in Mile End and working in the same profession. In 1898, he married and in 1900 he had a daughter. By 1901 he was living in Ravencroft Street, Bethnal Green, London with his wife Alice and his daughter Lily. Henry John Watling died in Hackney in 1914.

Inventory No. 517

-----------------------------------------------------------