pair-cased pocket watch
Date: 1680-1708
Inventory Number: 7953
Classification: Watch
Maker: A. R. (fl. 1680 - 1700) Dimensions:6.5 x 5.7 x 3.4 cm (2 9/16 x 2 1/4 x 1 5/16 in.)
Accessories: Key on cotton ribbon
DescriptionThis is a silver pair-case pocket watch by John Pepys, London.
The outer case is engraved with scrolling acanthus leaves on the front cover. The back cover has a coat-of-arms (described under Marks). The perimeter of the rear case is engraved with strapwork, scrolling acanthus leaves, and grotesque faces. The inside of the back cover is lined with red damask fabric. A watchmaker's label with the equation of time is glued to the fabric. Part of the label and fabric are marred by rust from the steel spring of the bezel snap.
The inner case has a crystal or glass front cover and a plain silver back cover with a winding hole. The interior of the rear case has a maker's mark and initals (AR with a crown).
The watch has a silver champlevé dial with hours I-XII divided every half hour and minutes 0-60 marked every 5 and divided every 1. The recessed center has a repoussé scroll work with leaves and a shell, plus the maker's name. The hands are blued steel.
The watch movement is of silvered and gilt brass. It has a fusee, chain, and cylinder. The 4 pillars between the plates each have a delicately pierced, silver shield with a lion rampant. The circumference of the movement is protected by a cylinder of crystal between the top and bottom plates.
The top plate has a draped, turned-down limb, which is finely engraved with loops and circles. The top of the gilt plate is engraved and pierced with scrolling acanthus leaves. The same is true of the watch cock, which also has a face.
Signedengraved on dial: Pepys / LONDON
engraved on watch movement: John Pepys / London
stamped inside back cover of inner case: AR
printed on watchmaker's paper: Paul Chotard / Clock & Watch-maker / at the / DIAL and SUN, / In the Minories / London
Historical Attributes
Ernst collection no. 46
ProvenanceHarold Clarence Ernst, MD, Boston, c. 1900-1922 (no. 46); Mrs. Ellen L. Ernst (his widow), Jamaica Plain, MA, 1922; on loan to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1923-1938; gift to Harvard College Observatory, 1938; transfer to CHSI, 1964.