Irish gold pocket watch with a rare rack lever escapement Circa 1802

Gold pair cased pocket watch by William Morgan
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A very fine, Irish pair cased pocket watch with a rare rack lever escapement, according to the patent of Peter Litherland, circa 1802.
Two cases: outer case – 18-Carat rose gold, polished, à goutte, case maker’s punch mark TH (Thomas Helsby, Liverpool); and an inner case – 18-Carat rose gold, polished, case maker’s punch mark TH (Thomas Helsby, Liverpool), and a movement protection cap. Enamel dial with radial Roman numerals and pierced filigree gold hands. Signed full plate movement, keywind, applied florally engraved ornaments, frosted, gilt, chain/fusee, Patent P.L. (Peter Litherland), three-arm steel balance, freesprung blued balance spring, fine florally engraved balance cock, engraved regulator scale with long index hand, and a chatoned diamond endstone on balance.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Weight: 147 g
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Signed: William Morgan, Dublin
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William Morgan, Irish watchmaker
William Morgan was based in Dublin, Ireland, at that time it was still the crown domain of the English king. Converted under the treaty of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland which came into effect January 1, 1801. William Morgan has been listed at various addresses in Dublin. From 1796 at Upper Osmond Quay 12. From 1815 at 105 Grafton Street. 1827 North Earl Street from 1827, then from 1832 at 37 Marlbourough Street. A year later he was at 39 Henry Street and 53 Mary Street from 1835.
In the watch shown, the chain and snail are signed with “Patent PL” Peter Litherland.
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Peter Litherland (1756-1805)
Peter Litherland was a watchmaker and inventor. He was born in Warrington and later moved to Liverpool, which was then the centre of the watchmaking trade. In 1791, he patented the rack lever escapement for watches, which was more accurate than the commonly used verge escapement. One of his watches is on a display in the World Museum Liverpool.