Pocket Watch: Delightful Open-faced Silver Dial Fusee Pocket Watch by Bell & Dams of Uttoxeter, 1867

A truly delightful, silver cased, open-faced fusee pocket watch, by master watchmakers and jewellers, Benjamin Bell and Edward Dams, of 2 High Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Bell, born 1809 in Uttoxeter, came from a family heritage of well-known Uttoxeter watch and clock makers, and took over the business from his father, Edward Bell, during the 1830’s. However, in 1864, Bell went into partnership with his nephew Dams (born 1845, in Burton-on-Trent). The partnership soon became known for producing watches of the highest standard, such as this beautiful piece, and on Bell’s retirement, c1870 the younger Dams went onto run the business until he too retired in 1906. Bell passed away on 20 July 1879, aged 70 years old, and Dams passed away in 1910. Dams was succeeded by Edwin Saxelby until c1921, who had worked for the firm for 40 years and during the late 1860’s/early 1870’s, was an apprentice watch maker under Benjamin Bell. Hallmarked London 1867, the watch has a silver dial with Guilloché pattern and subsidiary second’s dial. Blued hands, raised gold numerals, silver floral decoration and gold outer garlanded ring. The fusee movement with initialled dust cap and an engraved Coventry made Star Mark of quality, has a bimetallic balance and diamond end stone. The case maker was Henry Buckland (“Hb”), of Moat Street, Coventry and the movement serial number is “4573.” The watch comes in an executive Pu leather storage / display case with a winding key, together with instructions on how to wind and set the watch time. Note: This watch does not come with a chain or fob. If you require a silver chain/fob from our large stock, please contact us for advice. Payment - We Accept: - Debit / Credit Cards. - Bacs Transfer (Faster Payments). (Our bank details are on our invoices).