Jas ERSKINE, Aberdeen. No 64
Good London finished duplex movement, circa 1810.
£175.00
20-size Lancashire fullplate fusee movement with regulation on the cock table showing through the cap, with cap jewels on balance (diamond) and escape. Duplex frictional rest (deadbeat) escapement, retaining its jewelled roller. Flat steel balance, spiral balance spring. One-piece convex enamel dial with winding at 4, gold hands. 47 mm diameter, 13.5 mm deep, not including centre arbor.
James Erskine (Irskine), Aberdeen, active as a silversmith from around 1790 to 1820, yet another name that has not previously been recorded in the horological literature.
The duplex escapement, as it has come to be known, was Patented by Thomas Tyrer in 1782. As described, it was fitted with two escape wheels, one for locking and one for impulse. Very few of these English double escape wheel watches are known (later repairs utilising two lever escape wheels have confused certain writers), and it seems that English makers took to the single ‘duplex’ wheel arrangement almost immediately. Considered at the time as being as good as a chronometer for pocket wear, this movement is certainly London finished – I have seen similar movements sold by Barraud.
Dial with small edge crack and later minute hand (the gold hour hand is original), otherwise a good example. Not cleaned by me and nothing appears broken, but does not want to tick – sold as needing at least a service and fresh oil to work correctly.
Item available
Description
20-size Lancashire fullplate fusee movement with regulation on the cock table showing through the cap, with cap jewels on balance (diamond) and escape. Duplex frictional rest (deadbeat) escapement, retaining its jewelled roller. Flat steel balance, spiral balance spring. One-piece convex enamel dial with winding at 4, gold hands. 47 mm diameter, 13.5 mm deep, not including centre arbor.
James Erskine (Irskine), Aberdeen, active as a silversmith from around 1790 to 1820, yet another name that has not previously been recorded in the horological literature.
The duplex escapement, as it has come to be known, was Patented by Thomas Tyrer in 1782. As described, it was fitted with two escape wheels, one for locking and one for impulse. Very few of these English double escape wheel watches are known (later repairs utilising two lever escape wheels have confused certain writers), and it seems that English makers took to the single ‘duplex’ wheel arrangement almost immediately. Considered at the time as being as good as a chronometer for pocket wear, this movement is certainly London finished – I have seen similar movements sold by Barraud.
Dial with small edge crack and later minute hand (the gold hour hand is original), otherwise a good example. Not cleaned by me and nothing appears broken, but does not want to tick – sold as needing at least a service and fresh oil to work correctly.
