Fine English 18 carat gold hunting cased duplex watch Circa 1860

Gold full hunter E.J. Dent
–
A fine English 18 carat gold hunting cased duplex pocket watch with early stem winding, circa 1860. ¾ Plate movement according to Nicole Nielsen and a gold screw compensation balance. White enamel dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 9 o’clock and spade & whip hands. The engine turned case with polished bezels, pendant and bow, a reeded band, case maker’s mark AN for Adolph Nicole (entered 29 November 1854). Dial and movement signed and numbered, case numbered, dial, movement and case with matching numbers.
–
Diameter: 51 mm
–
Weight: 112 g
–
Signed: E.J. Dent Watchmaker to the Queen London
–
Dent, a celebrated watchmaking dynasty founded by Edward John Dent (1790-1853), was known for high-quality watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Edward John switched to watchmaking. From 1815 to 1829, he was employed by the Vulliamys and the Barrauds. In 1830, he entered into a partnership with J.R. Arnold. In 1840, he set up on his own account at 33 Cockspur Street, London. He was the builder of ‘Big Ben’, the famous Westminster clock and made many fine chronometers and watches as well as others of a high commercial grade. The firm continued until relatively recently at 41 Pall Mall, London, as E. Dent & Co. Ltd.