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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pocket watch case

Georgian gilt pocket watch hunter case, circa 1810

Partially verified

This item is an antique Georgian-era gilt pocket watch case described by the seller as intended for a verge movement, dating to circa 1810. The seller states that the case was originally configured as a half hunter, but its central circular front aperture has since been filled. Measuring 52 mm in external diameter, 41 mm internally, and 19.6 mm in total depth, it exhibits significant wear to the gilding across the exterior surfaces. The listing notes that it currently lacks a bezel, bow, and stem pusher mechanism.

Front view of the closed Georgian gilt pocket watch case showing the filled center aperture
Front view of the closed Georgian gilt pocket watch case showing the filled center aperture — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Pocket watch case
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
CE69 (AB-291760)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm291760
Source-reported date
c1810
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

Identity and Modification

The item is an empty pocket watch case described by the seller as a Georgian gilt hunter case intended for a verge pocket watch, dating to circa 1810. Visually, the closed front features a distinct circular central disc surrounded by a yellow gilt metal body.

According to the seller listing, the case originated as a half hunter configuration, but its aperture has undergone modification: 'The case was a half hunter but the aperture has been filled'. This modification produces the flush circular center seen on the front lid.

Evidence for this section
  • “Georgian gilt HUNTER case for a verge pocket watch c1810”
  • “The case was a half hunter but the aperture has been filled”
  • “Circular central disc filling what was originally a half-hunter front aperture”

Physical Dimensions and Condition

The dealer records external and internal measurements for the case, stating that 'The case measures 52mm wide externally, 41mm internally x 19.6mm total depth'.

The exterior shows visible finish loss and surface wear consistent with age. The listing notes that 'The case has the majority of the gilding worn from the front and back cover but this is honest wear', aligning with observations of scratches, rubbing, and exposed underlying metal across the exterior surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case measures 52mm wide externally, 41mm internally x 19.6mm total depth”
  • “The case has the majority of the gilding worn from the front and back cover but this is honest wear”
  • “Yellow gilt metal body showing visible surface wear, scratches, and finish loss”

Mechanical Deficiencies and Source Limitations

The listing notes significant functional and component deficits, warning that 'This case will take some adaption to make this work for you'. Specifically, 'When the front cover is closed, it will not open. This requires a thin pusher and button in the stem, along with a bow'. Observations corroborate that the cylindrical pendant stem currently lacks an attached bow, crown, or pusher mechanism.

Additionally, the seller records that 'The case has NO bezel either but I think that is how it was designed'. Because the source provides only a single view of the closed front exterior, inner casemaker stamps, hallmarks, internal hinges, and movement retainers are not documented in this record.

Evidence for this section
  • “This case will take some adaption to make this work for you.”
  • “When the front cover is closed, it will not open. This requires a thin pusher and button in the stem, along with a bow”
  • “The case has NO bezel either but I think that is how it was designed”
  • “Cylindrical pendant stem present without an attached bow or winding crown/pusher”

Open research questions

  • What specific material and method were used to plug the original half-hunter front aperture?
  • Are casemaker marks, purity hallmarks, or town marks stamped on the internal case lids or rim?
  • What specific mounting arrangement or hinge blocks remain inside the case to support a verge movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian gilt pocket watch hunter case, circa 1810
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Dimensions52 mm external width, 41 mm internal width, 19.6 mm total depth“The case measures 52mm wide externally, 41mm internally x 19.6mm total depth”
ModificationHalf hunter aperture filled“The case was a half hunter but the aperture has been filled”
Missing ComponentsRequires stem pusher, button, bow, and lacks bezel“This requires a thin pusher and button in the stem, along with a bow The case has NO bezel either”
Period19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837), c1810“Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
Dealer Item CodeCE69 (AB-291760)“Code CE69 (AB-291760)”
Dealer Stated Period19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)“Period 19th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”

Visible details

  • Circular central disc filling what was originally a half-hunter front aperture
  • Yellow gilt metal body showing visible surface wear, scratches, and finish loss
  • Cylindrical pendant stem present without an attached bow or winding crown/pusher

Research qualifications

  • Listing is for an empty watch case without a movement, dial, bezel, or bow.
  • Internal hinge condition and movement fittings are not visible in this closed front view.

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

Consulted source

Georgian gilt HUNTER case for a verge pocket watch c1810 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 063d50c2d9

Terms in this record

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

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