Hello macs, Thomas Parsons’ Patent was No:6350 from 20th December, 1832. He also took out a second on Dec 3rd the following year. A third patent that same year 1833, was I think not directly related to the Balance Lever mechanism (or Balance ‘Tumbler’ as called back then), being, i think, for a changeable version.
Parsons’ balance lever locks are beautifully made and with a silky smooth action. Most if not all were made for him by Joseph Duce, which is possibly the confusion with the J initial, and were sold through ironmongers and retailers like Burbidge & Healy.
Good to see some interesting stuff being posted- you’ve added some nice examples just now with the Hobbs and Bates Holdfast.