Description:

John Forrest, London 43mm 7J key wind pocket watch #132632, case is hallmarked for Sterling silver (lion), Birmingham (anchor) and 1897 (gothic lower case "y"), C.H.E. maker mark & serial #293 F, elegant gilt full plate movement with sculpted pillars, a brushed finish and a removable brass dust cover, silver-toned metal single sunk (SS) dial with detailed floral engraving in the center, black Roman numerals, ball minute markers and a subsidiary seconds register with a matte & polished concentric circle finishing, dial has a few light scratches and some light patina along with a few small defects around some of the numerals, blue steel spade style hands, impressive Sterling silver swing out (SRC) case with offset hinges, engine turning around the blank fancy round monogram shield, coin edge frame, extra large heavy bow and an extra thick glass crystal, case is showing normal even wear with a few small dents on the back bezel & frame, a few small spots of darker patina and a small flake on the edge of the crystal, measures approx. 51mm in diameter x 73mm in length x 20mm thick (crystal included).

This watch does have a bit of conflict on the markings against the John Forrest active years (1857-1871); English watches during the mid-1800's thru the early 1900's had quite a bit of crossover between case makers, watchmakers and the Swiss movements that were imported. We are unable to find documentation on this exact, non-fusee movement to the John Forrest name, however it is likely some watches were continued to be produced after his death in 1871 that were still marked with his name. We can confirm the hallmarking on the case is in line with established English hallmarks and suggest using those as a baseline for any future research for the watch being finished in 1897. A handsome, heavy silver English key wind watch from the 1890s in excellent overall condition!

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