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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gilt metal and silver watch by Karl Schmidt

Partially verified

This watch, catalogued as accession number 17.190.1533, is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to the maker Karl Schmidt, who was active around 1614 and lived approximately between 1590 and 1635/36. The timepiece is dated to circa 1600. Construction of the object utilizes a combination of gilt metal and silver. The physical dimensions of the watch are recorded as 2 by 1-1/2 inches, or 5.1 by 3.8 centimeters. The item arrived in the museum's collection as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is classified under European Sculpture and Decorative Arts within the institution's horological holdings. This entry relies on information provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s institutional records regarding its classification, origin, and material composition.

A front-facing view of the gilt metal and silver watch, displaying the Roman numeral dial and the museum's accession number on the casing.
A front-facing view of the gilt metal and silver watch, displaying the Roman numeral dial and the museum's accession number on the casing. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Karl Schmidt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1533
Source-reported date
ca. 1600
Source-reported place
Germany

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

Construction and Materials

The watch is manufactured primarily from gilt metal and silver. Its small physical size, measuring approximately two inches in height and one-and-a-half inches in width, is consistent with timepieces designed for personal portability during this period. The exterior case shows a distinct silhouette with a top-mounted suspension ring.

A notable feature on the visible surface is a heart-shaped cutout at the lower section of the casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt metal, silver”
  • “2 x 1-1/2 in. (5.1 x 3.8 cm)”

Maker and Historical Attribution

The timepiece is attributed to the German maker Karl Schmidt. Historical data provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art indicates Schmidt was active around 1614, with his lifetime estimated between 1590 and 1635 or 1636. The object itself is dated to approximately 1600.

This attribution is based on the museum's internal documentation. The provenance of the object is established through its entry into the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection as part of the gift donated by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Karl Schmidt (German, ca. 1590–1635/36, working 1614)”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”

Documentation and Accession

The object is registered within the Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 17.190.1533. It is housed within the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The record notes that the watch is classified as a standard horological specimen.

No further external catalogue references or specific serial numbers have been provided to support the primary attribution beyond the museum's documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1533.”
  • “Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.”

Open research questions

  • Does the internal movement bear a maker's mark or signature corresponding to Karl Schmidt?
  • Is the heart-shaped cutout a purely decorative element or does it serve a functional purpose for the escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt metal and silver watch by Karl Schmidt
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerKarl Schmidt“Watchmaker: Karl Schmidt (German, ca. 1590–1635/36, working 1614)”
Dateca. 1600“ca. 1600”
MaterialsGilt metal, silver“Gilt metal, silver”
Dimensions2 x 1-1/2 in. (5.1 x 3.8 cm)“2 x 1-1/2 in. (5.1 x 3.8 cm)”
Accession Number17.190.1533“17.190.1533”
Credit LineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”
OriginGerman“German”

Visible details

  • The watch features a pendant ring for suspension at the top.
  • The dial displays Roman numerals for the hour markers.
  • The case includes a heart-shaped cutout detail near the bottom edge.
  • The museum accession number 17.190.1533 is visible directly on the watch case.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement components and specific signature locations remain unverified by direct inspection.
  • While attributed to Karl Schmidt, independent verification of the maker's mark on this specific object is advised.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Karl Schmidt, German, ca. 1600

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 71d4c2fb50

Terms in this record

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

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