18th century silver pear watch, C. Brown London
2.25" diameter
Movement marked C. Brown London
Watch case has London hallmarks from 1803, makers mark TM (possibly Thomas Merry II silversmith)
Outer case contains paper from the Balch & Smith watch company

Balch & Smith
(Source: pem.as.atlas-sys.com) Benjamin Balch (1774-1860), a Salem and Boston clock and watchmaker, was the son of William and Rebecca (Bailey) Balch. Born in Bradford, Massachusetts, Balch served his apprenticeship in Newbury with his uncle, Daniel Balch. He moved to Salem in 1796, where he established a prosperous business on Essex Street. During the course of his career, Balch had partnerships with Jesse Smith (Balch & Smith) and his son, James (B. Balch & Son).

Jesse Smith (1789-1866), a native of Ipswich, was the son of Aaron and Lucy (Baker) Smith. Smith began his apprenticeship with Benjamin Balch on December 5, 1803. Ten years later they formed a partnership under the name Balch & Smith. In 1832, the association dissolved and Jesse moved his business farther down the street to 262 Essex Street. His son, Jesse Rogers Smith, assisted him in his shop.

Good condition overall