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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pocket watch chain

Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Chain with Carnelian Fob and Key

Partially verified

This antique yellow gold pocket watch chain is attributed by the auction house to the fourth quarter of the 19th century and catalogued as tested 14K gold. The fancy multi-row link chain incorporates a chased accent loop, a swivel dog-clip clasp, and a round suspension ring holding a matching watch key alongside an octagonal carnelian fob seal. Catalogued with a length of 9 1/4 inches, the complete assembly has a recorded total weight of 17.25 grams including non-gold components.

Antique yellow gold pocket watch chain featuring a multi-row link construction, carnelian fob, watch key, and swivel clasp
Antique yellow gold pocket watch chain featuring a multi-row link construction, carnelian fob, watch key, and swivel clasp — Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Component · Pocket watch chain
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1483
Source-reported date
Fourth quarter 19th century
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

Chain Configuration and Design

The auction lot describes an antique yellow gold pocket watch chain catalogued with an overall length of 9 1/4 inches. The primary chain is structured as a fancy multi-row link chain, visibly displaying a multi-row textured bead or block link chain structure. It is embellished with a chased accent loop along the span.

For attachment, one terminal is fitted with a dog-clip clasp, visible as a swivel dog-clip clasp fitted at one terminal.

Evidence for this section
  • “the fancy multi-row link chain set with a chased accent loop”
  • “dog-clip clasp.”
  • “9 1/4" L.”
  • “Multi-row textured bead or block link chain structure”
  • “Swivel dog-clip clasp fitted at one terminal”

Attached Fob and Winding Key

Suspended alongside the chain assembly are two decorative and functional components: an octagonal carnelian fob and a matching watch key.

Visible observation confirms a suspended winding key and an octagonal reddish-orange carnelian seal fob attached to the assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “carnelian octagonal fob, matching watch key”
  • “Suspended winding key and an octagonal reddish-orange carnelian seal fob”

Material Testing, Cataloguing, and Provenance

The metal fineness is catalogued by the auction house as tested 14K, with a recorded total weight of 17.25 grams including non-gold components.

The catalog dates the piece to the fourth quarter of the 19th century and records the provenance as the estate collection of Dennis Trischler of Woodbridge, Virginia. The seller catalogued the condition as excellent, though specific maker hallmarks, purity marks, and testing methodologies are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “tested 14K”
  • “Total weight including non-gold components: 17.25 grams.”
  • “Fourth quarter 19th century.”
  • “Condition Excellent condition.”
  • “The estate collection of Dennis Trischler, Woodbridge, VA.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks or assay hallmarks stamped on the dog-clip clasp, jump rings, key, or fob setting?
  • Which testing method was used to establish the 14K gold attribution, and were all individual components tested?
  • What specific non-gold elements contribute to the 17.25 g gross weight besides the carnelian stone?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Chain with Carnelian Fob and Key
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Gold PurityTested 14K“tested 14K”
Total Weight17.25 grams (including non-gold components)“Total weight including non-gold components: 17.25 grams.”
Length9 1/4 inches“9 1/4" L.”
DateFourth quarter 19th century“Fourth quarter 19th century.”
ProvenanceThe estate collection of Dennis Trischler, Woodbridge, VA“The estate collection of Dennis Trischler, Woodbridge, VA.”
Seller ConditionExcellent condition (seller-reported)“Condition Excellent condition.”

Visible details

  • Multi-row textured bead or block link chain structure
  • Swivel dog-clip clasp fitted at one terminal
  • Suspended winding key and an octagonal reddish-orange carnelian seal fob

Research qualifications

  • Specific maker and country of origin are not stated in the catalog description
  • Underlying metal testing details and exact gold purity breakdown across all individual components are not provided

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

Consulted source

ANTIQUE YELLOW GOLD POCKET WATCH CHAIN sold at auction on 15th October | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record cb6e62efce

Terms in this record

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

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