E D JOHNSON ‘Chronometer Maker to the Admiralty’ London. No 18992
Fine early keyless fusee watch by this good if now little known London watchmaking firm.
£2,495.00
Gold engine-turned case, the rear cover with well engraved Lion Crest and Motto of the Bell family: LEGE ET LABORE (reading and work), hallmarked 1861, casemaker JB (John Bacon, Clerkenwell). Half-plate fusee movement jewelled to the 3rd, with cap jewels on balance (diamond), lever and escape. Single-roller detached lever escapement. Compensation balance, spiral balance-spring. Nicely signed enamel dial also carrying the firm’s ’time-ball’ trade mark, as does the movement, blued-steel hands. 49 mm diameter.
Edward Daniel Johnson (1816-1889), 9 Wilmington Square, Clerkenwell, famous London watch and chronometer maker, holder of numerous Patents and a founder member and for many years Vice-President of the British Horological Institute.
This watch will have been originally owned by either Matthew John (1840-1902) or Charles George (1843-1885), sons of Matthew Bell of Bourne Park, Canterbury.
The usual hair cracks to the dial and some the expected general signs of use showing on the case and movement. Otherwise a fine keyless fusee watch from this earliest period, one in which the proportions of the case to the dial are so pleasing. Serviced and guaranteed.
Item available
Description
Gold engine-turned case, the rear cover with well engraved Lion Crest and Motto of the Bell family: LEGE ET LABORE (reading and work), hallmarked 1861, casemaker JB (John Bacon, Clerkenwell). Half-plate fusee movement jewelled to the 3rd, with cap jewels on balance (diamond), lever and escape. Single-roller detached lever escapement. Compensation balance, spiral balance-spring. Nicely signed enamel dial also carrying the firm’s ’time-ball’ trade mark, as does the movement, blued-steel hands. 49 mm diameter.
Edward Daniel Johnson (1816-1889), 9 Wilmington Square, Clerkenwell, famous London watch and chronometer maker, holder of numerous Patents and a founder member and for many years Vice-President of the British Horological Institute.
This watch will have been originally owned by either Matthew John (1840-1902) or Charles George (1843-1885), sons of Matthew Bell of Bourne Park, Canterbury.
The usual hair cracks to the dial and some the expected general signs of use showing on the case and movement. Otherwise a fine keyless fusee watch from this earliest period, one in which the proportions of the case to the dial are so pleasing. Serviced and guaranteed.
