English watch with chronometer detent escapement Circa 1842

Half hunting cased pocket watch Patent Union Chronometer
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A very fine English precision half hunting cased pocket watch with special chronometer detent escapement Patent Union Chronometer, circa 1842.
Engine turned, 18-carat gold case with radial Roman inlaid cobalt blue enamelled numerals on the front lid, engraved cartouche with monogram, reeded band, gold dome and case maker’s punch mark HF (Hugh Fishwick). Signed enamel dial with Roman radial hours, auxiliary seconds and double spade hands. 3/4 plate movement, keywind, frosted, gilt and signed, with chain/fusee, Patent Union chronometer detent escapement, gold screw compensation balance, free-sprung blued helical balance spring and chatoned diamond endstone on balance.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 120 g
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Signed: James Hornby, 40 Slater St. Liverpool
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James Hornby was born on March 28, 1813, and baptized on May 16 by Minister George Monk in Saint Paul’s Church, Liverpool, Lancashire, England. He was the son of the chronometer maker Richard Hornby (1789-1849) and his wife, Ann. He was a grandchild of Gerard Hornby (1761-1825). James was the brother of William Hornby, Johnathan Hornby and John Hornby. The family was currently based in Scotland Road.

James Hornby was a watchmaker at 40 Slater Street in Liverpool around 1840. Watchmaker John Bird was also listed at 40 Slater Street. He died in 1869 and was buried on August 13 in Anfield Cemetery, aged 52. Maybe he was James Hornby’s business partner. James Hornby’s shop was near Thos. Russell & Son. James Hornby also has an address at 11 Exchange Street east. He lived in Saint Pauls’s Square 31. James Hornby married the widow Elizabeth Rathbone – Owen’s five children were born from this marriage, James circa 1831, Mary circa 1832, Hannah circa 1834, William circa 1839, and Harriett circa 1839. James Hornby became at the Bankruptcy declared on October 16, 1861.

James Hornby married the widow Elizabeth Rathbone – Owen.

The death date of James Hornby is not yet known.