English gold keywind lever pocket watch Circa 1820-1821

Gold lever pocket watch by Robert Roskell
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An English gold keywind pocket watch, circa 1820-1821.
Partly gilded brass full plate movement, lever escapement, partly blued steel, and diamond. Engine turned, gold dial, applied gilt Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, applied three colours foliate decoration to centre and border, subsidiary dial for the seconds, and steel hands. Engine turned consular case, engraved bezels. Signed on the movement’s back plate: ROBt ROSKELL/Liverpool/29664/PATENT. Marked inside outer and inner covers of back: H/ J H (case maker’s mark); Chester town mark; leopard’s head; C (date letter for 1820–21); crowned 18 (for 18-carat gold).
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Diameter: 41 mm
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Signed: Robert Roskell Liverpool
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Robert Roskell, English chronometer and watchmaker based in Liverpool
Robert Roskell was a skilled clock and clockmaker in Liverpool and received a patent for an anchor clock. He was the son of Nicholas Roskell and Mary Charlotte Jones and was born about 1776. He married Elizabeth Tarleton, daughter of clockmaker William Tarleton, about 1795. His father-in-law was probably also his teacher. In 1803 he and his brother John Roskell took over the business from William Tarleton. The company established itself as Robert & John Roskell, 14 Church Street Liverpool and later as Messrs Roskell & Co, 12 & 14 Church Street. However, clocks were probably supplied under their own name through both.
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Robert and Elizabeth resided in the parish of St Peter on Seel Street until 1805, from 1807 in St. Bennet in Woolton. By 1824 the family was based at Gateacre Hall. Six children were born from the marriage to Elizabeth, and the two sons, Nicholas Roskell and Robert Roskell Jr. became watchmakers.
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Then, on October 2, 1808, Robert Roskell married Anne Kaye (1780 – 1871), daughter of clockmaker John Kaye. Another six children were born from this marriage; only one learned the watchmaking trade. William Roskell (1812-1859). Richard Butler Roskell (1817-1883) was his last son from this marriage. He was appointed Bishop of Nottingham.
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In 1825 John Roskell left the company, and Nicholas Roskell remained in the business and became a business partner. Since then, the company has been called Robert Roskell & Son and has become the Maker of the Admiralty (navy watchmaker). This cooperation between father and son lasted until February 1832. His second son, Robert Roskell Jr., joined the company a short time later. This partnership lasted until the retirement of Robert Roskell on December 30, 1842.
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In 1841 the family was resident at Gateacre Hall.
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Robert Roskell Sr. died in 1847 and was buried at St. Bennett.
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Roskell watches, and chronometers can be found in several well-known museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Powerhouse Museum, Melbourne Museum-Museum Victoria and the National Maritime Museum & Royal Observatory.