Large 18K Gold Memento Mori Watch Key with Hairwork
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This object is an individual nineteenth-century memento mori pocket watch winding key crafted in 18K gold. Catalogued under Louis Philippe and Charles X styling, the rectangular key pendant measures 72 mm in length by 48 mm in width.
The central glazed compartment protects intricate decorative hairwork composed in botanical, floral, and feathered plume motifs against a pale ground. The surrounding 18K gold frame features chased and ribbed scroll borders at the top and bottom, fitted with a suspension ring above and an extended winding pipe projecting below.
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
- Winding watch key
- Style
- Louis Philippe, Charles 10th
- Width
- 48 mm
- Length
- 72 mm
- Period
- 19th century
- Material
- 18K gold
- Object Type
- Memento Mori winding watch key
Design
- Visible features
- • Glazed rectangular body enclosing brown hairwork arranged into floral, leaf, and feathered plume forms on an off-white plaque. • Ornate gold frame features beaded bezel rims and ribbed scroll flourishes at top and bottom. • Suspension loop with articulation ring attached at the upper crest. • Projecting steel winding shaft mounted at the base opposite the suspension ring. • Lateral knurled or gadrooned terminal caps at the horizontal midline of the frame.
- Identity and Classification
- This object is an individual nineteenth-century pocket watch winding key incorporating memento mori hairwork, listed by Kerkhof Antiques under reference ID 712310. The source lists the key as being composed of 18K gold and classifies its style under Louis Philippe and Charles X. The catalog entry reports dimensions of 72 mm in length by 48 mm in width.
- Enclosure and Hairwork Detail
- The key body features a central glazed rectangular compartment enclosing brown hairwork arranged into floral, leaf, and feathered plume forms positioned on an off-white plaque. The surrounding gold frame incorporates beaded bezel rims alongside ribbed scroll flourishes at the top and bottom. Lateral knurled or gadrooned terminal caps are positioned at the horizontal midline of the frame.
- Mounting and Mechanical Interface
- A suspension loop fitted with an articulation ring is attached at the upper crest of the frame. Projecting from the base opposite the suspension ring is a mounted steel winding shaft. The specific gauge and internal socket profile of the pipe are not detailed in the source documentation.
- Documentation and Evidentiary Boundaries
- The dealer lists the condition as "Good condition" without further detail on conservation history or wear. Goldsmith punches, assay marks, and the country of manufacture are not recorded in the source entry. The record also does not document the reverse face of the pendant, leaving unstated whether it contains a second glazed panel, metal backing, or inscriptions.
Identification
- Reference
- 712310
- Inventory Reference
- 712310
- 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: Winding pipe gauge and internal profile are not specified.
- Research required: Maker, marks, and exact country of manufacture are not recorded in the source listing.