English silver hunting cased duplex pocket watch Circa 1825

Silver full hunter 
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An English silver hunting cased duplex pocket watch made by James McCabe, Hallmarked London 1825. Gilt ¾ plate key wind movement with fusee and chain, Harrison’s maintaining power, a plain cock with polished steel regulator, diamond end stone, compensation balance with blue steel spiral hairspring, duplex escapement, ruby locking roller, brass escape wheel and pivots with end stones. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, outer minute divisions, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and a fine blued steel seconds hand with gold arbour and gold spade hands. The engine turned case with a reeded band, gold hinges and maker’s mark JD and IMC, wound through the silver cuvette, the number corresponding to that on the movement. Dial and movement signed and numbered, case numbered.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Depth: 10 mm
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Signed: James McCabe Royal Exchange London
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The present watch is in excellent condition, the engine turning on the case showing even, light wear. This is the earliest example seen of a ¾ plate movement by James McCabe.
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The name James McCabe and the House of McCabe are part of a watchmaking dynasty that lasted for over a century. It was renowned for the enormous variety of its designs, and the creativity and prestige of its manufacture. James and his descendants would become one of Britain’s most prolific watchmakers with over 50.000 watches, 7000 clocks and 500 marine chronometers produced in the company’s 100 year history.
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James McCabe was born in 1748 in the town of Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland, into a family of watchmakers. His grandfather and father, Patrick McCabe, were both skilled horologists.
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Moving to Belfast, James apprenticed under his brother, Thomas, before setting up a workshop in London in 1775, in the Bells Building on Fleet Street, and subsequently, Cheapside and 97 Royal Exchange. His reputation quickly grew, he gained recognition as one of the leading watch and chronometer makers of his era. His timepieces were admired for their elegance, mechanical precision and durability, earning him prestigious commissions from royalty, nobility and prominent merchants. Among notable owners of his timepieces were Lord Horatio Nelson and the first President of the United States, George Washington. McCabe further became a respected member of the Clockmakers’ Company.
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After James’ passing in 1811, his sons continued the business, maintaining the company’s reputation for high quality horology throughout the 19th century.