www.925-1000.com

Hi all

I have a pocket watch that was made in London by George John Richards, late of Clerkenwell.

I have identified his maker mark, the London hallmark and the lion rampant which I think came into being in 1854.

Within the watch case are a number of receipts for what appears to be service / repair work. These appear to date from 1853 up to 1883 and are issued on circular inserts from a watch maker in Chesterfield named John Robinson who I have identified as working from South Street in Chesterfield.
However, on the reverse is an identifying repair number and the name Hayes of Ashover which is interesting - not sure if watch repairs were sub-contracted out or if there was a cottage industry in place.

I cannot identify the year mark and wondered if anyone can help please.

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Many thanks in advance

C

Sorry my first efforts were too small

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The date letter "q" is for the assay year 1831/32. The lion is actually a lion passant (walking), not rampant, and has been in use on London hallmarks in various guises since the start of hallmarking; a rampant lion is typically found on Scottish hallmarks.

Phil

Phil

Many thanks for your response. This would be inconsistent with the GR hallmark. According to the info I have, George John Richards obtained his freedom of the Goldsmiths' Company by Patrimony in 1839, established his company in 1843 and entered his first mark on 16 May 1844.

Any ideas how this may have fitted in?

Thanks again

Chris

That's because it's not George John Richards (sorry, I should have picked up your error). George John Richards was not a specialist watchcase maker; this is George Richards, casemaker, of 17 Bridgewater Square, Clerkenwell, who registered this mark in 1823. He was still in business in 1857 when he is recorded at 19 Bridgewater Square.

Phil

Phil

Many many thanks. You have been very helpful and I appreciate your time.

Chris