A Victorian 18ct gold keyless half-hunter pocket watch Dent, London, 1895/6 The circular frosted gilt three-quarter plate movement with lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance incorporating ruby cabochon endstone and F/S regulation lever to backcock, the backplate centred with triangular DENT trademark over Watchmaker to the Queen., 61, Strand & 4, Royal Exchange, London, N'r 48816, the white enamel Roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds and further inscribed DENT, 61 STRAND 7, 4 ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON, 48816 to centre and with blued steel spade hands, the three-piece consular case with blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring and small convex glass to front cover, knurled winding crown to suspension post and monogrammed A.P.P. beneath stag head crest to rear cover, case marked for London 1895, makers mark J.W., 5.1cm (2ins) diameter; with original blue velvet and silk lined tooled morocco leather covered presentation case applied with DENT service label inscribed A.P. Parkes to verso. The highly renowned clock and watch making business Dent was established by the talented horologist Edward John Dent, who at the age of 17, transferred his apprenticeship from the trade of tallow chandler to watchmaking under the charge of Edward Gaudin in 1807. By 1817 he had become well known as a watch and clockmaker receiving commissions from the Admiralty for a 'Standard Astronomical Clock' and pocket chronometers for the Colonial Office Africa Expedition. In 1830 Dent went into partnership with the renowned watch and chronometer maker John Roger Arnold which continued until 1840 when he left and set up business alone as E.J. Dent at 82 Strand, London, primarily making marine chronometers, watches and precision clocks. In 1843 the firm expanded taking on a second premises at 33 Cocksur Street, with the Strand premises moving down the road to number 61 by 1851. In 1852 Edward Dent successfully tendered to make the 'great clock' to be housed in Stephen's tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The clock was completed by 1859, apparently at a financial loss to the firm, however it ensured that Dent became a household name synonymous with fine clockmaking. Unfortunately Edward John Dent did not live to see the installation of the 'great clock' as he died in 1853. He was succeeded by his stepson Frederick Rippon Dent, who, in partnership with his brother Richard, continued to expand the business. By 1862 the firm had added 34 Cockspur Street and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange to their list of addresses and, although having seen natural passage of ownership over the intervening years, the business still continues to trade today as Dent & Co.