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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Pocket watch key

19th Century Yellow Metal Pocket Watch Key

Partially verified

This lot features a nineteenth-century pocket watch key fashioned from yellow metal. It lacks maker marks or official hallmarks; the auction house notes that it tests as 10kt gold on a Thermo Scientific machine. Measuring approximately 40 mm in length, the key has an approximate weight of 4.68 grams. Its design comprises an open circular body encircled by spiral reeding, flanked by rounded finials leading to an upper suspension loop and a lower cylindrical winding pipe.

Full view of the yellow metal pocket watch key showing the suspension ring, open center, and winding shaft
Full view of the yellow metal pocket watch key showing the suspension ring, open center, and winding shaft — Adam Partridge Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Tool · Pocket watch key
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
31
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
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 Classification and Physical Metrics

The item is catalogued by the auctioneer as a 19th-century yellow metal pocket watch key. It measures 40 mm in length and has an approximate weight of 4.68 grams.

Visual observation documents a winding pipe featuring grooved horizontal banding near the tip, as well as an upper swiveling suspension loop attached to a rounded terminal at the top.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 19th century yellow metal pocket watch key, unmarked, tests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine, length 40mm, approx 4.68g.”
  • “Winding pipe featuring grooved horizontal banding near the tip”
  • “Swiveling suspension loop attached to a rounded terminal at the top”

Visual Structure and Decorative Elements

Direct visual inspection shows that the central section consists of an open circular center decorated with diagonal rope or spiral reeding.

The cataloguer notes that the object is unmarked, meaning no maker's stamps, trade marks, or official hallmarks are recorded in the source description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open circular center decorated with diagonal rope or spiral reeding”
  • “unmarked”

Material Testing and Cataloguing Limitations

The auction description states that the piece 'tests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine.' Because this identification relies solely on machine testing and the piece lacks hallmarks, the exact composition across all components or any interior core remains unverified in the text.

The auction documentation does not record the interior gauge, profile, or bore size of the winding pipe, leaving its specific compatibility with watch arbors unstated.

Evidence for this section
  • “unmarked, tests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine”

Open research questions

  • What specific model of Thermo Scientific analyzer was used (e.g., Niton XRF), and were multiple points across the body and pipe tested?
  • What is the interior square gauge or caliber of the winding pipe?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 19th Century Yellow Metal Pocket Watch Key
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date19th century“A 19th century yellow metal pocket watch key”
MarkingsUnmarked“unmarked”
Material testingTests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine“tests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine”
Length40mm“length 40mm”
Weightapprox 4.68g“approx 4.68g”
Auction Estimate£80 GBP - £120 GBP“Est: £80 GBP - £120 GBP”
Lot Number31“Lot 31 : A 19th century yellow metal pocket watch key”

Visible details

  • Open circular center decorated with diagonal rope or spiral reeding
  • Swiveling suspension loop attached to a rounded terminal at the top
  • Winding pipe featuring grooved horizontal banding near the tip

Research qualifications

  • Metal composition is based solely on source machine testing; no official hallmarks are present
  • Internal dimensions and gauge of the winding pipe are not specified

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: A 19th century yellow metal pocket watch key, unmarked, tests as 10kt gold on Thermo Scientific machine, length 40mm, approx 4.68g.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 238f726dc6

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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