Jos’h JOHNSON, 25 Church St, Liverpool. No 20815
Good ‘PATENT’ lever movement with America market ‘fenestrated cock,’ circa 1850, from the Alan Treherne collection.
£45.00
Fullplate fusee movement with balance-brake of ‘Liverpool runner’ caliper, having ‘Liverpool jeweling’ to the fusee, the cock table pierced in order to reveal to customers the full extent of its jeweling, the 16-size frame stamped W ABBOTT and the cap stamped WB. Single-roller detached lever escapement. Compensation balance, spiral balance-spring. 43 mm diameter.
Joseph Johnson, Church Street, one of many Liverpool firms with a well deserved reputation for their watches sold in the North American market, although this was no doubt damaged by the number of Swiss fakes also bearing their name.
NB: As far as I am aware, the term “Liverpool runner” was bought into use by the late Rodney Law who said that he once heard the term used in Lancashire for such a layout. This is when the 3rd wheel is planted between the centre and barrel, rather than the usual opposite side to the barrel. This means the train runs in a clockwise direction when viewed from the top-plate and the entry pallet of the lever can be clearly seen in its action with the escape. The reason for such a planting is not known to me, but it was used alongside the standard layout for many years in these ground-breaking Liverpool detached lever frames.
A good if dusty example of this maker’s output. Lacking the dial, motion-work and hands but otherwise a good and unusual combination of interesting Lancashire features. Nothing appears broken but chain detached and sold as not working.
Item reserved
Description
Fullplate fusee movement with balance-brake of ‘Liverpool runner’ caliper, having ‘Liverpool jeweling’ to the fusee, the cock table pierced in order to reveal to customers the full extent of its jeweling, the 16-size frame stamped W ABBOTT and the cap stamped WB. Single-roller detached lever escapement. Compensation balance, spiral balance-spring. 43 mm diameter.
Joseph Johnson, Church Street, one of many Liverpool firms with a well deserved reputation for their watches sold in the North American market, although this was no doubt damaged by the number of Swiss fakes also bearing their name.
NB: As far as I am aware, the term “Liverpool runner” was bought into use by the late Rodney Law who said that he once heard the term used in Lancashire for such a layout. This is when the 3rd wheel is planted between the centre and barrel, rather than the usual opposite side to the barrel. This means the train runs in a clockwise direction when viewed from the top-plate and the entry pallet of the lever can be clearly seen in its action with the escape. The reason for such a planting is not known to me, but it was used alongside the standard layout for many years in these ground-breaking Liverpool detached lever frames.
A good if dusty example of this maker’s output. Lacking the dial, motion-work and hands but otherwise a good and unusual combination of interesting Lancashire features. Nothing appears broken but chain detached and sold as not working.