English debaufre pocket watch in silver pair cases Circa 1815

Silver pair cased Debaufre pocket watch
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An English debaufre in silver pair cases, circa 1815. Full plate gilt keywind movement, the resting barrel formed from a series of strong pins leaving the blue steel mainspring exposed. Chased and engraved cock with polished steel pivot screw to adjust the end shake. Plain three arm polished steel balance with blue steel spiral hairspring, blue steel Bosley regulator. Debaufre escapement employing two polished steel escape wheels acting alternately on a single steel roller. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, gold hands. Matching silver pair cases, silver oval pendant and bow, maker’s mark TE – HF
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Signed: Jas Houghton Ormskirk
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A rare escapement, also known as a chaff cutter, Ormskirk or club-footed verge. It was the first frictional rest escapement invented by Debaufre in 1704. The escapement is not affected by variations in power as was the case with the verge and some watches dispense with the fusee. It is surprising they left the mainspring exposed rather than enclosing it.