A very good mid-Victorian gilt Patent Pedometer No 4208 by William Payne & Co, London c1865

Open face watch form pedometer having 1½” white enamel dial with Roman numerals I-XII, single blued steel hand, the upper part with “Payne & Co, 163 New Bond Street, London” and serial number “4208,” the lower marked “Patent.” High quality steel and lacquered brass movement with oscillating pivoted weight on an arm and ratcheted gear train. Gilt case stamped inside with serial number “4208” and case maker’s initials “AT.” Verso with engine-turned decoration and blank cartouche. Suspension post and pinned bow.

The pedometer in its original leather over timber, green velvet and champagne silk lined presentation case, swinging catch. Later setting key.

Condition: Very good overall condition, the dial in very good to fine condition. Mechanically in good condition, working well, and resetting correctly. The case retaining virtually all its gilt finish. The presentation case in very good condition, structurally sound, crisp externally with very good colour, the internal silk and velvet slightly aged but sound and with good vibrancy.

Comments: This is a lovely and interesting instrument in much above average condition. One for the collector or gift-giver.

William Payne & Co. is first recorded in 1816 and is known to have made musical as well as ordinary watches. In 1831 he was awarded British Patent No 6078 for a new form of pendulum type pedometer with which he had considerable success. Payne & Co was established at 163 New Bond Street for most of the 19th century.

The case maker “AT”, seen on a number of Payne Patent pedometers, may well be the wonderfully named Alford Thickbroom, of Galway St, London.