Component · Case

18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter Case for Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This lot presents an 18k yellow gold and enamel pocket watch hunter case offered without a movement. The exterior cover features an engine-turned ground decorated with black enamel foliage, a tied ribbon motif at the base, and an unengraved central cartouche framed by an embossed floral rim. According to the auction catalog, the case incorporates a crystal and two winding holes, and is stamped 'K18' inside the back cover. The auctioneer reports a diameter of 1 3/4 inches and a total weight of 18.05 pennyweights.

Front view of the 18k yellow gold and enamel pocket watch hunter case — Leonard Auction. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Component · Case
Form: Pocket watch hunter case
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 87
Source-reported date: Not established
Source-reported place: Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Composition

This lot comprises an 18k yellow gold hunter-style pocket watch case, offered without a movement. The auction records confirm the gold content via a 'K18' stamp located inside the back cover.

The item is noted to have internal engravings on the inside cover, though the specific content of these engravings is not detailed in the source text.

Evidence for this section

“18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter Case for Pocket Watch”
“marked 'K18' inside back cover”
“no watch movement”
“engraved inside cover”

Exterior Decoration

The exterior of the case features an embossed motif including a central cartouche. The design incorporates enamel and decorative metalwork.

The case includes a circular suspension bow and a winding crown, consistent with hunter-style watch cases.

Evidence for this section

“An embossed motif having a center cartouche”

Reported Specifications

The case has a reported diameter of 1 3/4 inches. The total weight of the lot, inclusive of the crystal, is 18.05 pennyweights.

The auction description confirms the presence of a crystal and two winding holes. Interior components such as the cuvette are not observable in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section

“Diameter: 1 3/4 inches”
“Weight: 18k gold: 18.05 dwts. (total including crystal)”
“crystal and (2) winding holes”

Provenance and Documentation

The pocket watch case is identified as originating from an estate based in LaGrange, Illinois. This item was featured as part of the January Online Auction, specifically cataloged as Lot 87 during the sale event held on January 28, 2025.

Evidence for this section

“Property from: an Estate, LaGrange, Illinois”
“ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS. THIS AUCTION IS NOT AN APPROVAL SALE AND ALL SALES ARE FINAL.”

Condition and Wear

Regarding the physical state of the case, the auction record indicates that the object exhibits signs of usage. The report characterizes the overall condition as having light wear consistent with regular or normal use.

While the case structure is described as having internal engravings on the inside cover, the auction documentation does not specify the subject or nature of this text. The item lacks a watch movement, confirming its status as a stand-alone horological component.

Evidence for this section

“Condition overall light wear consistent with normal use, engraved inside cover”
“no watch movement”

Open research questions

What is the significance of the two winding holes in relation to the original watch movement type?
What information is contained within the 'engraved' section inside the cover?
Does the 'K18' marking correspond to a specific period or region of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter Case for Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Material	18k yellow gold and enamel	“18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter Case for Pocket Watch”
Internal Marking	Marked 'K18' inside back cover	“marked 'K18' inside back cover”
Diameter	1 3/4 inches	“Diameter: 1 3/4 inches”
Total Weight	18.05 dwts. (total including crystal)	“Weight: 18k gold: 18.05 dwts. (total including crystal)”
Movement Absence	No watch movement	“no watch movement”
Provenance	Estate of LaGrange, Illinois	“Property from: an Estate, LaGrange, Illinois”

Visible details

Front cover displays a blank heraldic-style cartouche framed by black enamel foliate motifs.
Circular border embellished with black enamel floral garland and a tied ribbon bundle at the bottom.
Outer bezel and rim feature an embossed floral and foliate relief pattern.
Circular suspension bow and a grooved top winding crown or push piece at the pendant.

Research qualifications

The watch movement is absent from the case.
The interior hallmarks, cuvette, and two winding holes described in the catalog are not visible in the provided exterior photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.