The Horological Index
Well documented provenance is an important aspect of collecting, restoration and research. Knowledge about an item can be valuable to those wishing to sell as well as those who are considering purchasing what are often expensive watches. Our research services are designed to assist those who desire to know more about a specific piece.
For the last thirty years I have collected and collated information
on many English clock and watch makers as well as their products. Computerisation
has enabled me to compile a large searchable database of material
regarding the provenance of many watches, as well as a unique
library of reference books and original ephemera. The database
can not only supply knowledge about past owners but also about
past changes and restoration, as well as help prevent the problems
surrounding items that have previously been stolen.
Starting with the work of Thomas
MUDGE, William DUTTON and their successors Matthew and Thomas
DUTTON, I am now in a position to offer a comprehensive search
for anyone interested in the history and provenance of a particular
example of their work.
I am also enlarging the database
constantly and information on many other makers is already
considerable. These include: Arnold, Barwise, Breguet, Brockbank,
Cole, Cummins, Cumming, Dent, Earnshaw, Ellicott, Emery, Frodsham,
Graham, Grant, Haley, Hardy, Hatton, Holmes, Howells, Ingold,
Jefferys, Jump, Kendal, Kullberg, Margetts, Martin, Mathews,
Molyneux, Nicole Nielsen, Pendleton, Pennington, Quare, Rentzsch,
Shelton, Smith & Son, Tompion, Vulliamy and very many
more.
All enquiries will, where possible,
be answered within 7 days and if nothing is found no fee will
be charged. Details concerning any records will be supplied
but to ensure that no charges are made for information already
to hand, known details of any published provenance must be
included with the request. All I require to begin the search
is:
- the Name of the maker.
- the Number of the watch.
- any Hallmarks, if known.
- information about any Book, Magazine or Auction reference
of which you are already aware.
I will then reply with a list of any references I have. References will be charged at £10 each, up to a maximum of £40 for five or more. Payment is by credit-card or sterling cheque drawn on an English bank.
PLEASE NOTE: All enquiries will be treated in total confidence. Privately supplied or personal information is not kept on the database and the present ownership and whereabouts of any item will never be disclosed.
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