Rare English gold freesprung lever montre à tact Circa 1885

Rare gold free sprung lever montre à tact
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A rare English 18 Carat gold free sprung open faced keyless lever montre à tact, circa 1885. Gilt 3/4 plate movement, lever escapement, free sprung bi metallic compensation balance, the à tact mechanism visible to the back plate and linked to motion work of the hands. White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds and blued steel hands. Gold cuvette with an aperture for à tact mechanism and with presentation inscription to W.G. Ainsie, MP for Lancashire in 1885. Case with engine turned decoration to the back and mounted with à tact hand, touch pins for the hours to the band, gold pendant and bow. Case makers mark HG for Henry Green.
Dial and movement signed.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Signed: J Hammersley Barclay Road Fulham London
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English watches with an à tact provision are exceptionally rare. As a Member of Parliament, Ainsie would have been able to feel the time in his pocket without taking the watch out and so avoid being seen to be rude to another Member while they were speaking.
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Born in 1819, John Hammersley was a springer and adjuster of good reputation. Credited with the introduction of the duo-in-uno balance spring with A.P. Walsh, Hammersely frequently utilized this feature, though he is not acknowledged as its inventor. He was mostly employed by other makers and died in 1901.