Pocket Watch Case

This is truly a rare timepiece. It is a mans keywnid hunter cased watch, and measures 57mm in diameter. It weighs a total of 169.5 grams.. A massive watch with lots of gold! The case has engine turned lids, and is stamped on both lids JOSEPH BROTHERS, CALIFORNIA GOLD. It is also stamped with an 18K gold mark featuring a bear. The inner back lid is engraved with a June 1863 San Francisco inscription. The porcelain dial is excellent, with one faint, light hairline. The dial is signed CHAS. HOLLINGSIDE, LONDON, 10041 and ADJUSTED IN HEAT & COLD. The indicator dial at the top functions correctly as the watch winds up and down. The movement is gilt, fusee chain driven, jeweled, and with a compensated balance wheel. It is signed Charles Hollinside, LONDON, 10041. Movement is excellent, and has no signs of abuse. It runs strong, but has not been cleaned or serviced in years. It has a lever escapement. I researched JOSEPH BROTHERS, and they were located on Montgomery St. They are listed as Watchmakers, jewelers, opticians, and general importers. They are best known as a minter of private gold coins in the 1850s. When the US caught gold fever, Joseph Brothers began making some jewelry out of California Gold, along with several other jewelers. I have never seen a watch case marked this way. The English movement is proper and original to this watch case, as Joseph Brothers were originally from Liverpool, and practiced their trade there until smitten with Gold Fever. They remained importers when in San Francisco. I feel this is an historically important watch. The item “RARE Large SAN FRANCISCO Pocket Watch 18K CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH CASE 1860s” is in sale since Wednesday, January 04, 2017. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Pocket Watches\Antique”. The seller is “bobgl” and is located in Winnetka, Illinois. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Year of Manufacture: 1860-1869
• Material: 18K yellow gold
• Brand: Hollingside London
• Closure: Full Hunter
• Escapement Type: lever fusee
• Movement: gilt plates up down wind indicator
• Model: California Gold Rush Souvenir
• Pocket Watch Size: 57mm
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States