Trading from number 29 Fold Street off Bradshawgate in 1828, William was the father of James West.
Their Fold street premises was next door but one to Harriet Samuels own jewellery shop ‘H Samuel’
Together they shared their Fold Street premises, until James moved out onto Bradshawgate, where he occupied No 13 the timbered building next to the Prince William.
A hallmarked silver open pair cased pocket watch, the white enamel dial set with Roman numerals and outer minute track, with key wind fusée movement marked ‘West of Bolton’, movement no. 33094.
Hallmarked in Birmingham, the date letter for 1831, would mean that it is more likely William who made the watch.
The case is fitted with a watch paper by James West, presumably from maintenance or service as he wasn’t at Bradshawgate until 1869.
The makers mark of J*W isn’t registered but arrises frequently, and believed to be Joseph Willmore, J*W has appeared on other watch cases of the time.
The 1831 Hallmark – the duty stamp continued to be impressed on gold and silver items up to 1890, however for watch cases it was discontinued after 1797…
