18 Karat Scottish (?) watch

[Lliamh]

Hi. I could use some help with this one. It's been in the family since (allegedly) the 1830s. The marks on the case outer shell are similar to the ones on the inner shell, except the latter are missing a city mark. The outer shell marks are worn, but to me seem to be a three tower castle (Edinburgh?), a crown, an 18, and a capital I. The crown, the 18, and the letter are clearly visible on the inner case. Cheers!

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[georgiansilver]

Could you possibly get a better photo of the left hand set of marks. Perhaps try using your flash as it can sometimes work better on close ups. Best wishes, Mike.
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[Lliamh]

These are the best my present equipment will allow, shooting macro with flash. I'll try to borrow a digital SLR to get clearer shots. Failing that, I'll take some film shots with a macro set up. Thanks!




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[georgiansilver]

The bottom mark looks almost certainly like the Chester town mark but very rubbed. The style of the watch is late 19th to early 20th century so it would appear to have been made in Chester in 1892. Will not be earlier.
The crown is not the Sheffield mark as some assume but is usually found on gold with other town marks as normal marking practice. Best wishes, Mike.
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[Lliamh]

Thank you for the information. Family legend is wrong then. It was supposed to have been a wedding present from about 1835. Hmm.
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