Kays Universal Silver Pocket Watch with Chain and Fobs
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1919
This pocket watch, branded as a Kays Universal Lever, is a stem-winding timepiece dating to 1919. The watch features a 51mm heavy sterling silver case, which is hallmarked for Birmingham and attributed to the manufacturer Aaron Dennison.
The dial includes both standard Roman numerals and an inner ring of red 24-hour markers. The movement is protected by a hinged inner dust cover. Accompanying the watch is a 30cm silver chain, noted with lion hallmarks on each link, as well as a Queen Victoria silver coin fob dated 1889 and a coin inscribed with the Lord's Prayer. The case back features an engine-turned pattern and a central vacant cartouche. The auction description reports the watch is in good working order and notes that the name of a previous owner is engraved on the inside of the case back.
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
- Stem-winding pocket watch
- Weight
- 2oz
- Fob dating
- 1889
- Assay office
- Birmingham
- Chain length
- 30cm
- Case diameter
- 51mm
- Case material
- Sterling silver
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement winding
- Stem-winding
- Case manufacturer
- Aaron Dennison
- Maker / attribution
- Kays of Worcester
Design
- Visible features
- • Engine-turned pattern on the silver case back • Inner red 24-hour numeral track on the dial • Hinged dust cover over the movement • Two distinct coin fobs attached to the chain
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in a 51mm sterling silver case with engine-turned detailing across the back and a central vacant cartouche. The case is secured with a hinged back and an inner hinged cover for the movement. The dial is signed "Kays Universal Lever" and features standard black Roman numerals for the hours. Additional timekeeping features include a secondary ring of red 24-hour numerals positioned inside the Roman hour markers. The dial is equipped with metallic hands and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position.
- Chain and Accessories
- The watch is offered with a 30cm silver chain that includes a T-bar and clasp. The authenticity of the chain's silver content is indicated by the presence of a lion mark on every link. Two decorative fobs accompany the chain. One is a silver coin depicting Queen Victoria, dated 1889, and the other is a commemorative coin inscribed with the text of the Lord's Prayer.
- Movement and Construction
- The movement is a stem-winding mechanism described by the vendor as being in good working order. It is shielded by a hinged inner dust cover, which provides additional protection to the internal components. The movement appears to be of Swiss production as indicated by markings on the plate. The case was manufactured by Aaron Dennison, who is noted as an English case manufacturer. The hallmarks on the case confirm its assay at the Birmingham office in 1919. An engraving of a previous owner's name is present on the inside surface of the case back.
Identification
- 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: Maker of the movement is not specified
- Research required: Exact date of ownership engraving is not verified