Earlier this year I became interested in John Cashmore, a later-nineteenth century London watchmaker. Although not especially innovative, Cashmore's quality was consistently good and he achieved a reputation for excellence. Here, below, is an example of his output:
Described as follows:
A Minute Repeater in 18ct. Gold Hunter case and with keyless, lever movement. Signed John Cashmore, London, no.5955, 1881. A frosted gilt three-quarter plate movement
jewelled to the centre with screwed chatons, free sprung bimetallic
compensation balance with diamond endstone, gold cuvette, white enamel dial
with roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, gold hour and minute hands, polished
case with engraved monogram and repeat slide in the band, casemaker's initials
GAP, diameter 56mm. (Description and photograph courtesy of Christie's.)
Over time 'John Cashmore' became a brand, watches by this name being marketed for some time after his retirement in 1899.
My illustrated article on John Cashmore features in the June issue of 'Clocks' magazine.
