Ralph Banks, Plymouth Dock a Georgian silver fusee pocket wa...

Estimate

£100 - £120

Ralph Banks, Plymouth Dock a Georgian silver fusee pocket watch the round white enamel dial having black Roman numerals and gilt-brass spade hands, the single-chain fusee movement having a pierced and engraved balance cock to the verge escapement, with Tompion regulation and signed to the backplate Ralph Banks, Plymouth Dock, No. 846, the case and inner cuvee hallmarked for silver, London 1798 along with the stamped initials T.C for the case maker, probably Thomas Carpenter of Islington, London, with the cuvee signed R. Banks, Plymouth Dock, diameter 54mm, gross weight c. 130.92gs. Ralph Banks is recorded as working in Catherine Street, Plymouth Dock, Devon from at least December 1782 when he married Rebecca Palmer Collings at Stoke Damarel church. He 'bought-in' many of his good quality clocks and watches, mainly from London with his suppliers including John Thwaites. A silver watch signed for Banks was reported lost in January 1795. By 1812 the business was recorded under the name Rebecca Banks with the address given as Fore Street, Dock. Reference: Clive N. Ponsford Devon Clocks & Clockmakers Pub: David & Charles 1985.