Sunfish-shaped lapel watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This sunfish-shaped lapel watch is constructed from 18k yellow gold and is decorated with black and red enamel, along with inset diamonds. The exterior of the case is rendered in the form of a fish with sculpted scales and fins.
The case opens to reveal a small watch integrated into the body, featuring a white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals. The dial is surrounded by engraved metalwork described in the source as neoclassically styled. The auction documentation attributes the creation of the piece to approximately 1860. The specific movement maker, caliber, and current working status of the timekeeping mechanism are not documented in the provided source material, nor is there information provided regarding the provenance or historical ownership of this specific object.
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
- Dial
- White enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals
- Type
- Lapel watch
- Dating
- Circa 1860
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- 2 1/4 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide
Design
- Visible features
- • Sunfish-shaped case with detailed textured scales • Pendant bail attachment at the top • Small circular watch face concealed within the hinged body • Visible winding or setting holes on the movement dust cover
- Case and Exterior Decoration
- The object is designed in the form of a sunfish, featuring a decorative exterior composed of 18k yellow gold. The surface is textured to represent scales and fins, with additional ornamentation provided by red and black enamel applications. The eyes of the fish are set with diamonds. The object functions as a pendant, incorporating a fixed bail at the top for attachment to a chain or lapel. The construction is hinged, allowing the body of the fish to open and reveal the timekeeping component concealed within.
- Dial and Timekeeping Interior
- When the case is opened, a small watch movement is visible, mounted within the interior gold frame. The dial is constructed from white enamel and utilizes both Roman and Arabic numerals to indicate the time. The area surrounding the dial is decorated with engraved patterns that the provided text identifies as neoclassically styled.
- Documentation and Attribution
- The provided documentation identifies the object as a sunfish-shaped lapel watch, with an approximate date of 1860. The source notes a discrepancy between this narrative dating and secondary cataloging data that describes the piece as contemporary or modern. There is no information regarding the movement manufacturer, the caliber, or the horological specifications of the internal mechanism. Furthermore, the source explicitly states that details concerning the restoration history, enamel condition, or weight of the diamonds are currently undocumented.
Identification
- Accession Number
- 30-6157
- 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: The auction description does not confirm the current working condition of the movement
- Research required: The source notes a conflict between the circa 1860 dating and the modern period classification in the seller's documentation
- Research required: There is no information regarding the original maker or potential restorative interventions