Antique Hallmarked Silver J. W. BENSON Fusee Pocket Watch Dated 1892.
Item History & Price
Here For Auction is a Beautiful Antique Victorian, London Hallmarked Silver English James William Benson Fusee Pocket Watch, Dated 1892.James William Benson (12 April 1826 ? 7 October 1878) was an English scientific instrument maker and watchmaker who had an excellent reputation in London in the late nineteenth century. He was born in Reading, Berkshire, England the son of William Benson and Phoebe Suckley.J.W. Benson Ltd was a highly regarded London watch/clockmakers an...d gold/silversmiths who traded between 1847 and 1973.The Benson family had been watchmakers since 1749 and throughout its history, J.W. Benson Ltd was official watchmaker to the Admiralty & the War Department and also held a number of royal warrants, being watchmakers to Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, the Tsar of Russia and several other royal families.The company's premises were: Cornhill (1847?64), Ludgate Hill (1854-1937), Old Bond Street (1872-3), Royal Exchange (1892-1937) and their original workshop was at 4-5 Horseshoe Court (at the rear of their Ludgate Hill premises). In 1892 it became a limited company and moved to their new 'steam' factory at 38 Belle Sauvage Yard.
J. W. Benson Ltd continued until 1973 at which time the name was sold to the Royal jewellers, Garrards.
This lovely English silver open face pocket watch No. 5891 has a London Hallmark "S" (1873) 0.925 silver, The case is in exceptional condition with no dings or scratches, The hinges and catches are good so the covers open and close nicely (The flip spring is not working but still opens on the button), it has a little pocket wear. The original mineral glass is near perfect. The lovely pure white dial is very good with no stains, scratches or visible hairlines, It has golden spear and whip hands and black Roman numerals with outer minute track and a sub seconds dial at 6 o'clock, The watch measures 48 mm across.The Makers Mark is-- J.O. For-- James Oliver. Case Maker of -- Clerkenwell, London. Registered 1869.
It has a full plate 7 jewel English Fusee movement No. 5891. Signed -- J.W.Benson, 58 - 60 Ludgate Hill, London. To H.R.H. Prince of Wales & H.I.M The Emperor of Russia. and with English lever escapement is running well and keeping reasonable good time. Please Note-- as this watch is over 100 years old there is no guarantee on time keeping.
Another lovely 146 Year Old Antique Collectors Watch. Working very well and is excellent, rare in this condition.
