Silver Case Pair Alexander Moore Fusee Pocket Watch c1861 Cumnock Scotland

  
A very rare Alex N Moore fusee case pair pocket watch in sterling silver and accompanied with various 19th century watchmaker token dockets (evidently service records) from watchmakers in Strathaven and Cumnock, Scotland. The watch and case fit together well, everything closes crisply and the hinge is in good condition. It's more sturdily made than what you typically see for later sterling watches.

The timepiece has a heavy substantial feel in the hand (139 g), without being offensively large. This item must have been a very expensive piece in its day that was treasured and kept running for many decades. Inside we have a fusee chain and what looks like the lever escapement, which was an improvement on the earlier verge system that had largely fallen out of favour by the time this watch was made. The fusee chain can be seen hooked onto the barrel and fusee cone, and appears to be unbroken (although I have not disassembled to check it fully). The balance wheel oscillates if the watch is given a twisting motion in the hand.

I applied very light pressure with a key and there was no movement, so please do not try and wind this piece, it's essential that it be disassembled and cleaned/serviced by a watchmaker familiar with these pieces, or it's likely you will snap the chain or do other damage. I think this is an excellent candidate to bring back to running order. It also needs a new seconds hand which a watchmaker should be able to source from another period watch without too much difficulty. The metal clasp spring in the outer case has surface rust which I didn't photograph, however it still works fine to hold the outer case shut and I just mention it for completion. The sterling silver case bears the date letter'f' and the panther head of the London assay office.

This dates the piece to 1861, which makes sense given the historical information below. Some initial research has yielded the following historical information.

The Cumnock History Group mentions Alexander N Moore in one of their articles about an event in 1866. There was also a George Moore (died 1864) recorded as a watchmaker in Cummock, and another Alex Moore who was also a watchmaker who died in 1821. So the Alex N Moore who made this watch was possibly related to George Moore, which could make him a second generation (or more) watchmaker. Further research may yield more information.

The papers were found stored in the back of the outer case, and also served to protect the back of the watch from scratching on the steel clasp spring. Diameter: 51 mm (outer case).

Thickness: 20.8 mm (outer case). See my other watch listings. The item "Silver Case Pair Alexander Moore Fusee Pocket Watch c1861 Cumnock Scotland" is in sale since Monday, August 3, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Pocket Watches".

The seller is "ghoul7210" and is located in St Helens, TAS. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Style: Vintage
2. Case Material: Sterling Silver
3. Type: Pocket Watch
4. Brand: Alex Moore