Antique Victorian Era Memento Mori Pocket Watch – Attributed to John Forrest

A remarkable Victorian memento mori fusee pocket watch, attributed to the renowned English watchmaker John Forrest, circa mid-19th century.

This exquisite timepiece is housed in a solid sterling silver case with rich 18K gold plating, beautifully hallmarked and featuring the maker’s mark W.F (Birmingham assay). The case back is magnificently decorated in high relief with two skulls intertwined with a serpent, symbolizing mortality and the eternal cycle of life — a quintessential example of memento mori artistry of the Victorian period.

The dial is silver with a guilloché floral motif, applied gilt Roman numerals, and elegant blued-steel hands. The movement is an English fusee chain-driven lever escapement, finely engraved and numbered 158460, indicating high-quality craftsmanship. The watch measures 49.14mm in diameter and remains in perfect working order.

Features:

• Maker: Attributed to John Forrest, London
• Serial Number: 158460
• Case Material: Sterling silver, 18K gold plated
• Dial: Hand-engraved floral guilloché with gilt Roman numerals
• Movement: Fusee chain-driven lever escapement
• Diameter: 49.14mm
• Era: Victorian, circa 1850s–1860s
• Condition: Excellent; runs and keeps time well
• Accessories: Comes with matching key and gilt chain fob
• Hallmarks: Birmingham assay, W.F maker’s mark, sterling standard mark

Highlights:

• Striking memento mori skull & serpent relief on the case back
• Rare combination of artistic symbolism and technical mastery
• Fully functional antique fusee movement
• Perfect collector’s or museum-grade piece
• The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2500

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