Antique Silver Pocket Watch with Horse Racing Scene, Ca. 1900
Antique Silver Pocket Watch with Horse Racing Scene, Ca. 1900
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A Swiss silver pocket watch with polychrome niello decoration on the reverse, made for the French export market around 1890 to 1910. Two jockeys clear a fence mid-gallop, the horses rendered in warm copper inlay against a deep black niello ground, the whole scene framed by silver dogwood blossoms. Polychrome niello is the more elaborate version of the standard technique, adding copper and silver inlay so the figures emerge in warm tones rather than the usual silver-on-black contrast. This was a Swiss specialty produced in La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle for export across Europe. Horse racing was the most collected niello subject of the period because it gave the middle-class buyer access to the aristocratic world of sport, carried in his pocket as a daily reminder.
The watch shows age wear consistent with approximately 120 years of existence. The niello and copper inlay on the reverse is well retained with softening in the high wear areas across the horses and jockeys, which is normal for the period and material. The .800 silver case shows expected patina and surface wear. The white enamel dial has a small loss or discoloration between the 20 and 21 positions near the subsidiary seconds register. The original glass crystal is intact. The crown and bow are complete and the keyless winding mechanism operates. Running condition is not confirmed and the watch should be considered as a decorative object unless serviced by a qualified watchmaker. Hallmarks visible inside the case back include the Swiss control marks and 800 silver fineness stamp; case interior also stamped with serial number 12222.
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Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
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