An engraved watch made by19th century Nantwich watchmaker John Palin was handed in to Nantwich Museum by a member of the public.
Bosses at the Pillory Street venue said the silver timepiece, in Palin’s family for generations, was in excellent condition and working order.
There was no damage to the enamel face and a new glass had been fitted.
It was complete with keys suggesting it had been made before 1900. Such watches typically wound up in what might be regarded as the ‘wrong direction.’
John Palin was born in 1831, the son of an ostler and is known to have had a shop in Nantwich High Street from 1851 to 1896.
It’s likely he was apprenticed to William Massey, another local watchmaker, or worked as a journeyman before establishing his own business.
He supplied watches and clocks and a variety of goods including jewellery, cutlery, glass, china and earthenware. It is likely that his sons John and William also worked in the business.
The tale is told of Palin’s shop window having been broken when a coach and horses at full tilt were unable to make the corner at the end of Hospital Street.
For details contact Nantwich Museum on [email protected], call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk
Recent Comments