I just got this watch today and was wondering if someone could tell me what date it is by the silver marks. I would like to also know if this is legitimate, seeing as apparantly there is a pile of J. Forrest fakes around. Any info about the watch and the marks would be great.
Thanks all,
Bill

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The case marks are London and 1856.

Could you tell me what the initials are in the square shape under the lions head & the letter "a" on the case.

Also could you tell me what all the writing is on the movement, I can't make out all that is shows.

I will see if I can find more on the maker.

Tom

Thanks Tom,
Your knowledge and ability to research never ceases to amaze me, and all others I am sure.
Bill

For now I would be leaning towards your watch being one of his, it would seem that the forgeries or watches made using his name started after his death in 1876. He was apparently active from around 1850 to 1876. So if your movement is original to the case them yours should date to 1856.

That is if I am correct on the 1856, those dang alphabetic date codes are tricky.

Tom,
The initials on the case are an RO above a JE.
Would that be the case maker ? Maybe we could find someone of those initials making cases in that time frame ? , and would those marks be sterling or coin ?
Bill

The Lion means sterling silver .925. Those would be the case makers marks the RO/JE, I will see if I can ind them.

It also looks like a diamond end stone, would a watch of this time frame have that?
Bill

Yes I think so, I have one from the 1790's with one.

Haven't found the case makers yet.

Tom

Bill

Your case numbers match your movement number don't they, 11431?

Tom

Yes case and movement have the same numbers.
Bill