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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Winding watch key

Large 18K Gold Memento Mori Watch Key with Hairwork

Partially verified

This object is an individual nineteenth-century memento mori pocket watch winding key crafted in 18K gold. Catalogued under Louis Philippe and Charles X styling, the rectangular key pendant measures 72 mm in length by 48 mm in width. The central glazed compartment protects intricate decorative hairwork composed in botanical, floral, and feathered plume motifs against a pale ground. The surrounding 18K gold frame features chased and ribbed scroll borders at the top and bottom, fitted with a suspension ring above and an extended winding pipe projecting below.

18K gold memento mori watch key featuring glazed hairwork, 19th century
18K gold memento mori watch key featuring glazed hairwork, 19th century — Kerkhof Antiques / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Tool · Winding watch key
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
712310
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
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

Identity and Classification

This object is an individual nineteenth-century pocket watch winding key incorporating memento mori hairwork, listed by Kerkhof Antiques under reference ID 712310. The source lists the key as being composed of 18K gold and classifies its style under Louis Philippe and Charles X.

The catalog entry reports dimensions of 72 mm in length by 48 mm in width.

Evidence for this section
  • “Memento Mori winding watch key in 18K gold.”
  • “Period: 19th century”
  • “Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”
  • “Length: 72 mm”
  • “Width: 48 mm”

Enclosure and Hairwork Detail

The key body features a central glazed rectangular compartment enclosing brown hairwork arranged into floral, leaf, and feathered plume forms positioned on an off-white plaque.

The surrounding gold frame incorporates beaded bezel rims alongside ribbed scroll flourishes at the top and bottom. Lateral knurled or gadrooned terminal caps are positioned at the horizontal midline of the frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glazed rectangular body enclosing brown hairwork arranged into floral, leaf, and feathered plume forms on an off-white plaque.”
  • “Ornate gold frame features beaded bezel rims and ribbed scroll flourishes at top and bottom.”
  • “Lateral knurled or gadrooned terminal caps at the horizontal midline of the frame.”

Mounting and Mechanical Interface

A suspension loop fitted with an articulation ring is attached at the upper crest of the frame.

Projecting from the base opposite the suspension ring is a mounted steel winding shaft. The specific gauge and internal socket profile of the pipe are not detailed in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Suspension loop with articulation ring attached at the upper crest.”
  • “Projecting steel winding shaft mounted at the base opposite the suspension ring.”

Documentation and Evidentiary Boundaries

The dealer lists the condition as "Good condition" without further detail on conservation history or wear. Goldsmith punches, assay marks, and the country of manufacture are not recorded in the source entry.

The record also does not document the reverse face of the pendant, leaving unstated whether it contains a second glazed panel, metal backing, or inscriptions.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition: Good condition”
  • “Reference (ID): 712310”

Open research questions

  • Are any maker's marks or gold assay stamps present on the frame, suspension ring, or winding stem?
  • What is the construction of the reverse side of the pendant (e.g., glazed aperture or solid back)?
  • What is the interior socket size and profile of the winding shaft?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Large 18K Gold Memento Mori Watch Key with Hairwork
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object TypeMemento Mori winding watch key“Memento Mori winding watch key in 18K gold.”
Material18K gold“Memento Mori winding watch key in 18K gold.”
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
StyleLouis Philippe, Charles 10th“Style: Louis Philippe, Charles 10th”
Length72 mm“Length: 72 mm”
Width48 mm“Width: 48 mm”
Inventory Reference712310“Reference (ID): 712310”
Dealer ConditionGood condition“Condition: Good condition”

Visible details

  • Glazed rectangular body enclosing brown hairwork arranged into floral, leaf, and feathered plume forms on an off-white plaque.
  • Ornate gold frame features beaded bezel rims and ribbed scroll flourishes at top and bottom.
  • Suspension loop with articulation ring attached at the upper crest.
  • Projecting steel winding shaft mounted at the base opposite the suspension ring.
  • Lateral knurled or gadrooned terminal caps at the horizontal midline of the frame.

Research qualifications

  • Winding pipe gauge and internal profile are not specified.
  • Maker, marks, and exact country of manufacture are not recorded in the source listing.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Large Gold Watch Key With Hair, XIXth Century. Memento Mori

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record bd4daf92b9

Terms in this record

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