Circa 1830 Antique ‘James Gorham’ Silver cased Fusee Gents Pocket Watch

Antique Circa 1872 silver cased fusee pocket watch being a key wind and set. (Serviced)

This is a jewelled movement pocket watch is a full plate chain driven fusee with a lever escapement and ruby jewelled end-stone clean. With a good strong tick keeping good fusee time and in fantastic working condition. The movement is inscribed with the No. 911 & Ja Gorham – Kensington, with a further inscription ‘watch maker to the royal family’
In good working order, recently serviced.

Great working balance, case is in great condition with no dents or marks, all hinges are working and covers close with a crisp click. The Bow Assembly is in good condition with the bow being secure. Glass Crystal, clear with a few minor marks. Dial as a slight chip at 6 o’clock, but free from hairline cracks. The case is Hallmarked London 1830 the makers mark Henry Galloway.

James Gorham (active 1815-1850s) spent most of his life and career working in Kensington High Street. His shop, at no. 5 the High Street, was almost directly opposite the gates of Kensington Palace, so he was well placed to tempt Kensington’s royal residents.

James Gorham is recorded as working from circa 1820 to 1854 at 5, Kensington High Street, a short stroll from Kensington Palace, London home of the Duke of Sussex. Gorham was a clock and watch maker, making fine quality time pieces.

Of Gorham’s later years we know only a little. In July 1840 his name appears in the minutes of the central criminal court, after his home in the parish of “St Mary Abbot, Kensington” was burgled by John Wall, aged 49. Wall was found guilty of stealing a watch from Gorham, worth £2, and was sentenced to be “transported for 10 years”, presumably to Australia, for this crime.

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