English 18K gold watch with rack lever escapement Circa 1812

Gold open faced rack lever watch by R.Roskell
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A fine and rare English 18 carat gold open faced lever pocket watch with rack lever escapement, Hallmarked London 1812. Hinged frosted gilt full plate movement, cylindrical pillars, jewelled to the third, fusee and chain, Harrison’s maintaining power, rack lever escapement with large brass escape wheel, three armed polished steel flat rim balance with flat balance spring, diamond endstone, single footed foliate engraved balance cock, regulator arm with an engraved scale on the backplate. Gilt brass dust cap. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and original gold pear hands.
Engine-turned case with master mark TH (Thomas Helsby, Liverpool), ribbed band. Movement signed. Excellent condition.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 119 g
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Signed: R.Roskell Liverpool
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This piece is a nice addition to a collection, as it is a pocket watch with rare rack-lever experimental escapement, made by the important Liverpool watchmaker Robert Roskell.
Robert Roskell was a qualified watch and clockmaker in Liverpool and London. Due to his various partnerships and takeovers he signed in turn with: “Robert & Son”, “Hunt & Roskell”, “Robert Roskell Liverpool” or “Roskell Liverpool”.

The rack lever escapement was patented by Litherland in 1791 and was used by both Liverpool and London makers during the first quarter of the 19th century. The present watch is rare due to the gold pair case, as most rack lever watches were made with silver cases.
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Reference 0015000