J.N. Masters Ltd rye, pocket watch, silver, watchcase hallmarked london 1911.

Movement swiss made, engraved "J.N.Masters.Ltd.Rye" and "the Varicity".

Silver watch and chain.

This Retail Jeweller and pocket watch maker was born as John Neve Masters

in Tenterden (Kent) in 1846 and was the son of a watchmaker.   He started working for Whitehead in Sevenoaks in 1864 and in 1869 he took over the business of C. F. Lewnes in Rye.   The company sold clocks and English watches, and imported watches as well as jewellery.

In 1881 he retailed as a 'Watchmaker Employing 1 Assistant & 2 Apprentices'.   He was living at Hope House, High Street, Rye, with his housekeeper and apprentice.   In 1893 he became Mayor of Rye.   In 1921  he published his 'amusing reminiscences of Victorian times and of today'. (England-J.N.Masters 1921 8 vo, 208 pp. ill)

Hardcover

Publisher: Clifton House, Rye-Sussex: First Edition (1921)

In 1925 he published 'Second book of reminiscences', (England-J.N.Masters 1925,

194 pp. ill)

Publisher: Clifton House, Rye-Sussex: first edition (1925)

History: miscellany (English), local history with horological anecdotes.  

John Neve Masters died in April of 1928. 

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Masters Ltd rye, watchcase hallmarked london 1911.

Movement swiss made, engraved "J.N.Masters.Ltd.Rye" and "the Varicity".

Silver watch and chain.

18.