Gold and Polychrome Enamel Pocket Watch Key
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This antique pocket watch key is dated by the seller to the early 19th century and crafted in gold with polychrome enamel floral decoration. The body features a lobed, flower-shaped rosette patterned with green, blue, white, and black enamel designs outlined in gold.
A suspension bail is fitted to one end and bears French eagle head hallmarks according to the dealer. The key measures 3.6 cm in total length with a rosette diameter of 1.3 cm, weighing 1.34 grams, and terminates in a dark metal winding pipe.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Pocket watch key
- Weight
- 1.34 g
- Diameter
- 1.3 cm
- Hallmark
- Eagle head on bail
- Material
- Gold
- Decoration
- Polychrome flowers in enamel
- Total Length
- 3.6 cm
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Visible features
- • Flower-shaped rosette body with enameling in black, white, green, and blue • Gold suspension loop attached via a small turned neck • Dark tubular winding pipe extending from the lower collar
- Object Type and Physical Form
- This object is a decorative gold pocket watch key configured with a central enameled body, an upper suspension ring, and a lower winding pipe. The main body presents a flower-shaped rosette decorated with polychrome enamel, while the upper section transitions through a turned neck to a rounded gold suspension loop. Visual examination confirms the central rosette body features enameling in black, white, green, and blue. Extending from the lower collar opposite the suspension bail is a dark tubular winding pipe.
- Condition and Attribution Limits
- The listing notes specific localized defects on the piece: "a tiny lack of enamel on the bottom of the white flower at the junction of the stem and a small crack on the square of the winder." While the seller classifies the overall condition under a standard category of "Good condition," this reflects dealer cataloguing rather than an independent conservation evaluation. Dating the key to the "Early 19th Century" (or broadly "19th century") rests entirely on dealer attribution. No maker's name or documented provenance is provided in the listing.
- Reported Markings and Dimensions
- According to the listing description, the piece bears "Eagle head hallmarks on the bail." The key measures 3.6 cm in size with a diameter of 1.3 cm and an overall weight of 1.34 grams. The seller describes the primary material as gold, decorated as "enameled with polychrome flowers." Beyond the reported eagle head punch, no maker or workshop hallmarks are recorded in the source.
Identification
- Reference
- 1445710
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Source notes a tiny lack of enamel at the base of the white flower at the stem junction
- Research required: Source reports a small crack on the square of the winder
- Research required: Early 19th-century date and eagle head hallmark identification are source-reported