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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Gold hunter case pocket watch presented to Surgeon Major Dawson

Partially verified

This pocket watch features a gold hunter case, designed with a hinged cover that protects the dial and crystal. It is accompanied by a key for winding and adjustment. The external surface of the case bears a monogram. Internally, the case back features an inscription noting it was presented to Surgeon Major Dawson by the N.C.O's and men of the 7th New Zealand Contingent. The engraving commemorates services rendered in the field during the South African War, with a specific date of 26 June 1902. The watch is part of the Applied Arts and Design collection held by the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.

The internal movement of the gold hunter case pocket watch with the hinged cover open, revealing the decorative finish on the plates.
The internal movement of the gold hunter case pocket watch with the hinged cover open, revealing the decorative finish on the plates. — Auckland Museum Collections. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1994x1.345
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

Case and Presentation

The watch is housed in a gold hunter case, a configuration featuring a hinged metal cover that shields the dial. The exterior of the case is detailed with a monogram. A key is included with the watch, which is required for winding the mechanism.

The internal side of the back cover, or cuvette, contains an extensive inscription. It documents that the object was a gift to Surgeon Major Dawson from the non-commissioned officers and men of the 7th New Zealand Contingent. The engraving confirms the presentation occurred in recognition of services in the South African War, dated 26 June 1902.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold hunter case watch with key, monogrammed on outside of case, inscribed inside back on dome "Presented to Surgeon Major Dawson by the N.C.O's and men of 7th N.Z Contingent as a token of their appreciation of his services in the field S.A. War 26.6.02”

Movement and Construction

The movement is exposed in the photograph, showing a configuration of plates and bridges. The surface of the movement plates is decorated with intricate patterns. The watch construction allows for access to the mechanical components, which are adjusted via the included key.

The visible mechanics indicate a design that functions with a balance wheel and escapement system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold hunter case watch with key”

Provenance and Identification

This watch is documented within the Applied Arts and Design collection at the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. It is assigned the accession number 1994x1.345, which serves as the formal museum identifier for this specific historical object.

The object is associated with the South African War through its commemorative inscription. It was catalogued under the Auckland Museum's institutional records, and the metadata provided confirms the item's presence in their collection, as well as its status as a historical artifact managed by the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Part of the Applied Arts and Design collection.”
  • “Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1994x1.345”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the movement manufacturer, if marked on the dial or hidden under the bridges?
  • Was the gold case hallmarked, and do those marks indicate the country of origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold hunter case pocket watch presented to Surgeon Major Dawson
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ItemGold hunter case watch with key“Gold hunter case watch with key”
InscriptionPresented to Surgeon Major Dawson by the N.C.O's and men of 7th N.Z Contingent“Presented to Surgeon Major Dawson by the N.C.O's and men of 7th N.Z Contingent as a token of their appreciation of his services in the field S.A. War 26.6.02”
CollectionAuckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira“Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira”
Accession number1994x1.345“1994x1.345”

Visible details

  • The watch includes a winding/setting key.
  • The movement exhibits a decorative engraved or textured finish on the plates.
  • The watch is a hunter-cased design.
  • The internal case back dome is inscribed.

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the watch movement is not identified in the source text.
  • The specific metal composition beyond 'gold' is not specified.

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

Consulted source

Gold hunter case pocket watch presented to Surgeon Major Dawson

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ff271d2157

Terms in this record

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

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