Edmund Massey, London

• Movement: matt gilded full plate, Massey type IV lever escapement with type III roller, large escape wheel with vertical teeth, decoratively engraved balance cock, very large bi-metallic seconds beating compensation balance, signed and numbered Edmd. Massey, Patentee, 89 Strand, London, no. 303
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, silver spade hands, blued steel centre seconds, signed E. Massey, 89 Strand London, No. 303
• Cases: associated plain silver cases, the inner with winding aperture to back, Regency style pendant, both cases hallmarked Chester 1828 and with maker's mark TE over HF for Timothy Ellison and Henry Fishwick, Liverpool 

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 392, pl. 246

Movement not running and appears to be fully wound. In 1961 this watch was recorded in Antiquarian Horology (Dec. 1961) as having a rack lever escapement. It was noted at the time that the watch had likely been converted from a Massey type lever movement. The watch has since been re-converted and now has a Massey type IV movement, as per the catalogue. The movement would originally have had a fusee and chain, this has been removed and has been replaced by a standing barrel. Dial in good overall condition. Associated cases have light scuffs, the winding square is quite central to the aperture but quite far down from the hole itself. Covers close securely.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Edmund was the youngest son of Edward Massey and it was the latter who was in fact the patentee of this rare variant of Massey type IV escapement which was included in his 1814 patent (see Alan Treherne, The Borough Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Exhibition Catalogue, 1977). For a similar watch signed by Edward Massey and numbered 653, see: Antiquarian Horology, No. 6, Vol. 28, June 2005, p. 802. Brian Loomes, in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World [21st Century Ed.], notes that Edmund Massey was active in London from 1839-1851.