Listed below are random presentation watches that are linked with Bolton, and where possible a little history about the watch or its owner.
Mr Robert Stanley Taylor.
A Late Victorian, Silver Centre second chronograph pocket watch sold as “Specially examined and by warranted by S. Wolfenden, Bolton”. Sold by Samuel Wolfenden, the case hallmarked by William Ehrhardt, Birmingham, 1894.
William Ehrhardt in 1856, who probably made the watch retailed by Samuel Wolfenden, established his own company at 30 Paradise Street, Birmingham, with the aim of producing watches using machinery. Ehrhardt was one of the pioneers of watchmaking by machinery in England.
The watch is provided with the inscription: “Presented to Robert Stanley Taylor By TMOs Moscrop & Co as a mark of esteem on the expiration of his apprenticeship, Bolton, April 30th 1895”.
Thomas Moscrop’s was established in 1838 by Thomas Moscrop and Thomas Holmes, and had their offices at 1-3 Folds Road in Bolton, their works was at St George’s Street in the Old Locomotive works, later to be known as the Lion Oil Works.
The partnership was dissolved in 1891, but the firm continued under Thomas Holmes, and later was universally known for their Oil products as Lion Oils. Thomas Moscrop Born in Back O’ Th’ Bank in Little Bolton, went on to become Mayor of the Borough of Bolton.
Robert Stanley Taylor who was apprenticed to Thomas Moscrop’s stayed within the trade, and in 1919 became a founding partner of the Bolton firm of “Rigby Taylor” in Gartside Street of Spa Road, Bolton. The firm which was founded by Herbert Rigby and Robert Stanley Taylor to produce chemicals, soaps and greases for the textile industry, and today continues in business as Origin Amenity Solutions, For over 100 years, Rigby Taylor has been supplying innovative products and services for the successful installation, management and maintenance of the UK’s natural grass and synthetic surfaces.
Mr Adam of Know Mill, Entwistle Bolton
A Key wind open face pocket watch chronometer in 18k Gold and white dial Inscribed ‘ Presented to.. Mr Adam Esq. By his workpeople at Know Mill as a token of respect / Entwistle Nr Bolton, July 1887.
Know Mill at Entwistle was a textile print and bleaching works situated at the bottom of Hob Lane, it closed in 1959 and was demolished in the 1960’s traces of it can still be seen in the Wayoh Reservoir when the water is low. It was connected to the railway at Entwistle by an overhead bucket system, and a rack and pinion track for rail trucks.
Know Mill.
