Q & A

K. L. of Toronto, Ontario writes:

If you have any information that might help me learn about this pocket watch we would be most interested. It is a family heirloom passed down over the years. It is from the 1700's and the watch makers name inside the watch is William Nash Bridge but I have been unable to find any info on this person.

The back of the watch has the initials of the original family member that owned the watch as well as the date 1775 which I have always thought to be the date they received the watch. It is 2" round, has a glass/crystal front and a silver case that encloses it. Both the inside back of the watch and the case have the same hallmarks so they belong to each other.

I have never cleaned the watch for fear of doing it harm. I have scanned in a few photos with the details in hopes that it would allow you to get the best view.

We have the family documents from this original person that owned the watch and the information in it shows is that it belonged to a woman by the name of Mary Seymour Poulton born in Bermuda June 16, 1768 and married to John Dalzell (from County Downs Ireland) in 1784. It also shows the birth of their 17 children while living in Bermuda as well as thier deaths and marriages and grandchildren.

Thank you so much.

We asked Mike Wagnell to respond:

How fortunate to have something as interesting as this passed down through your family for a couple of centuries.

Your watch bears the London hallmarks showing that the case was assayed in 1773, and it is most likely that its maker completed the watch in that year. I am pleased to report that I have tracked down this man – William Nash, and he is recorded as working in 1762, and dying in 1794. You may also be interested in knowing that “Bridge” is the village/town in which he worked, and this is situated near the cathedral city of Canterbury in England. One of Nash’s watches is, in fact, recorded as being part of the famous collection of Courtney Ilbert.

Judging from the pictures you have sent, the watch appears to be in good original condition, with minor scratches to the dial, it has the original “beetle and wedge” style hands, and the movement looks in good order – I am assuming that it is still in working order? Living, as I do on the West Coast, I cannot comment on the availability of watch repairers in Toronto, but I am sure that any reputable one would be able to overhaul and, more importantly, lubricate the movement – an essential component in keeping it free from rust.

As this item is unlikely ever to be sold, you would probably prefer to have an insurance evaluation which, bearing in mind the history (provenance) that you have, and the good condition it appears to be in, I would estimate as being $800 - $1,000.