Pocket Watch: Interesting 1871-1872 Silver Dial Fusee Pocket Watch by Edwin Mandefield of York

An interesting mid-Victorian silver cased open-faced fusee pocket watch with silver dial, by documented northern watchmaker Edwin Mandefield, of Goodramgate, York, Yorkshire. Mandefield was born in York, 1847 and trained to be a watchmaker under his uncle, Walter Mandefield, who was a well-respected watchmaker, jeweller, and public figure in York, working from 14 Baker Hill. Once qualified, at the tender age of only 17, the young Mandefield continued to work for his uncle as a bona fide watchmaker until c1867, at which point he set up on his own at 9 Hall Field Road, York, from where this fine watch would have been assembled. Such was the success of his watchmaking business, that Mandefield relocated to larger premises at Goodramgate, York, in c1875, where he remained until his death in 1903. The case’s hallmarks are different in two places on this watch (possibly suggesting the watch’s case back has been professionally replaced at sometime during its long life). The case back plate is hallmarked for London 1872 and the inner case plate, for Chester 1871. The watch retains its all-original silver dial with Guilloché pattern and a subsidiary second’s dial. Blued fleur-de-lis hands, Gothic style raised gold numerals, and hand-crafted gold and silver floral decoration with lunette glass. The quality fusee movement numbered “58707”, has a silver balance and ruby end stone. Aligned with the two hallmarked case plate dates, there are also two Coventry case makers initials. The Inner Case maker being William Taylor Ryley (“W.T.R”), of Little Park Street, Coventry, and the case back maker being John Hammon (“Ih”), of York Street, Coventry. (Nb: There is also engraved into the case back the name “J. Bolton.”) A fascinating and interesting piece of provenance then, for this superbly attractive watch. The watch comes securely packed 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).