{"product_id":"j-g-graves-express-english-lever-sterling-silver-full-hunter-1893","title":"The Express, an English Lever in Serota Silver, 1893","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of Sheffield's finest names on the dial, Serota silver on the case, and a remarkably clean face after 130 years. This is an English lever done properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJ.G. Graves of Sheffield was one of Victorian Britain's great mail-order jewellers - and in time, the Mayor of Sheffield. He apprenticed as a watchmaker at fourteen, built a mail-order empire that sold watches by the thousand, and at his peak was buying up to 70% of the entire output of the Lancashire Watch Company in Prescot. The \"Express English Lever\" was the cornerstone of his watch range: a quality LWC movement sold under the Graves house name to the growing Victorian middle class.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis example is in remarkable condition for its age. The white enamel dial is exceptionally clean - no chips, no crazing, no staining - with the red-printed Graves signature crisp and fully legible. The sterling silver case is solid and well-formed, with only the light surface wear expected of a watch that has lived 130 years. An engraved monogram cartouche to the outer case back adds a touch of Victorian personal history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe movement is confirmed Lancashire Watch Company, identifiable by the reversing pinion - LWC's patented safety mechanism that prevents gear train damage in the event of mainspring failure. The watch is key wound via a square aperture in the engine-turned dust cover. The movement winds and runs well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHallmarks to the inner case confirm sterling silver, Sheffield assay, and a precise date of 1893.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA presentable, running piece from a man who became Mayor of Sheffield - in unusually clean condition for its age.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J.G. Graves of Sheffield","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54247890452819,"sku":"PW-0047","price":240.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1080\/3121\/3907\/files\/jg-graves-silver-pocket-watch-1893-front.jpg?v=1783613947","url":"https:\/\/estatecollection.nl\/products\/j-g-graves-express-english-lever-sterling-silver-full-hunter-1893","provider":"The Estate Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}