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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Enameled metal pocket watch

Mid-19th-Century Enameled Metal Watch

Partially verified

This mid-19th-century pocket watch, now held by the Art Institute of Chicago under accession number 1913.775, represents a category of enameled metal horological objects produced in Vienna, Austria. Measuring 3.3 cm in diameter, the watch features a distinctive spherical case design equipped with a top pendant loop and a hinge mechanism. The exterior of the metal case is finished with polychrome enamel work depicting a pastoral or mythological narrative. The painted scene includes a draped classical figure seated within a landscape playing a stringed instrument, accompanied by a smaller winged figure and distant architectural forms. The watch includes a circular white dial displaying hour markers around its perimeter, featuring slender hands and a winding aperture. The object was received by the museum as a gift from Mrs. Dora K. Frank, providing a documented provenance for this individual timepiece.

A mid-19th-century spherical enameled metal watch and its detached dial/movement unit.
A mid-19th-century spherical enameled metal watch and its detached dial/movement unit. — Art Institute of Chicago. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Enameled metal pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1913.775
Source-reported date
mid-19th century
Source-reported place
Austria

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 Construction and Decoration

The watch features a rounded, spherical metal case, measuring approximately 3.3 centimeters in diameter. The form is designed with a top-mounted pendant loop to facilitate its use as a pocket watch, and incorporates a hinge mechanism for access to the interior components.

The exterior surface is embellished with polychrome enamel painted imagery. This decorative program focuses on a pastoral or mythological theme, displaying a draped figure playing a stringed instrument in an open setting. A smaller winged figure is shown nearby, situated against a backdrop of trees and distant architectural elements.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case features a rounded, spherical form fitted with a top pendant loop and hinge mechanism”
  • “The exterior of the case is decorated with polychrome enamel depicting a pastoral or mythological scene.”
  • “The painted imagery portrays a draped classical figure seated in an open landscape playing a stringed instrument”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

Accompanying the case is a circular white dial. The dial layout includes hour markings positioned around its outer perimeter to facilitate time-telling.

The dial is set with slender hands anchored at the center. A winding aperture is present on the dial surface, which allows access to the internal movement for winding purposes.

Evidence for this section
  • “The accompanying circular white dial displays hour markings around its perimeter, slender hands anchored at the center, and a winding aperture.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is currently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The object was accessioned into the museum's holdings as a gift from Mrs. Dora K. Frank.

The object is recorded as a mid-19th-century piece. It is documented under the museum object number 1913.775.

Evidence for this section
  • “It entered the museum collection as a gift from Mrs. Dora K. Frank.”
  • “Museum object number 1913.775”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical specification of the movement hidden within the spherical case?
  • Does the case contain any hallmarks or silversmith marks hidden beneath the enamel or on the interior?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mid-19th-Century Enameled Metal Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Object Number1913.775“Museum object number 1913.775”
Place of originVienna, Austria“originating from Vienna, Austria”
MaterialEnameled metal“enameled metal watch”
Diameter3.3 cm“3.3 cm (1 5/16 in.) in diameter”
DonorMrs. Dora K. Frank“gift from Mrs. Dora K. Frank”
DateMid-19th century“mid-19th-century”

Visible details

  • Spherical watch case with top pendant loop.
  • Polychrome enamel scene featuring figures.
  • White dial with hour markings and winding aperture.

Research qualifications

  • The watch movement internals are not visible in the provided imagery.
  • Specific manufacturer or workshop identity is unrecorded.

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 98e2aec246

Terms in this record

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