IRISH GOLD AND ENAMEL LEVER – 1863

This is a rare mid-19th century Irish fusee lever watch enclosed in a full hunter case made of gold and decorated with shamrocks, the symbol of Ireland. The finely crafted gilt three-quarter plate keywind movement features a fusee and chain, Harrison’s maintaining power, an engraved cock with polished steel regulator, a plain three-arm gold balance with blue steel spiral hairspring, and an English table roller lever escapement. The dial is beautifully engraved and decorated with applied gold Roman numerals and blue steel hands. The dial also features a subsidiary seconds hand. The 18 carat full hunter case is quite substantial, with a ribbed middle and both covers decorated with two rows of shamrocks in translucent green enamel. The front cover has a shield-shaped cartouche with a heraldic device, while the back cover is centered by a harp in blue and red enamel. The maker’s mark “JD” is present, as well as a number corresponding to that on the movement. This is an attractive and rare watch, which appears to have been made locally, as evidenced by the maker’s mark JD on the case and ID stamped on the movement. The watch was crafted by John Donegan, a master watchmaker from Dublin who had two shops and was active in 1837. The watch is hallmarked Dublin 1863, and has a diameter of 53 mm.

Signed John Donegan - Dublin
Hallmarked Dublin 1863
Diameter 53 mm