Gold Massey Ii With Decorative Gold Dial

Gold Massey II with Decorative Gold Dial.

Signed: Josh Johnson - Liverpool. Circa: 1825. Diameter: 54 mm. Depth: 12.5 mm.

An early 19th Century English Massey type two lever with decorative four colour gold dial on a gold open faced case. Full plate gilt keywind fusee movement, the dust cover pierced to reveal the cock and polished and blue steel barrel setup ratchet and spring. Harrison's maintaining power. Chased and engraved cock inscribed Patent on the table and Detached on the foot. Large diamond endstone, blue steel Bosley regulator. Unusual three arm balance, polished steel arms and blue steel inner rim inside a gilt outer rim, blue steel spiral hairspring. Large screwed in Liverpool window jewelling to all pivots including the fusee with the exception of the centre. Massey type two lever escapement. Lateral steel lever to stop the watch under the front bezel. Fine decorative gold dial with subsidiary seconds. Matted ground, three colour applied gold decoration to the centre and edge, applied polished gold Roman numerals, blue steel hands. Substantial decorative 18 carat gold open face case, Chester hallmarks without date letter. Chased and engraved middle, bezels, pendant and bow, crisp engine turned back with vacant circular cartouche. Maker's mark T.H over J.H and number corresponding to that on the movement.

In excellent overall condition. Joseph Johnson worked at 25 Church Street, Liverpool until 1827. His wife and son continued in business for a number of years after his death. He produced many fine watches, often fitted with impressively large jewelling which was found a market in the United States. He was also known for producing chronometers.