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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Silver Pocket Watch with Hunting Scene

Partially verified

This silver-cased pocket watch, identified by the Rijksmuseum as object BK-NM-12816, is dated to the first half of the nineteenth century, specifically circa 1800 to 1850. The timepiece features a white enamel dial decorated with a painted scene depicting a figure with a hunting dog. The watch is constructed with a silver case and is accompanied by a separate outer case covered in tortoiseshell, The Rijksmuseum records the watch diameter at 4.9 cm, with the total dimensions including the outer case measuring approximately 7.3 cm in height, 5.4 cm in width, and 2.2 cm in depth. The object is held within the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and is documented as part of their jewellery and timepiece classification system.

Silver pocket watch featuring an enamelled dial with a hunting scene and an outer case, Rijksmuseum accession BK-NM-12816.
Silver pocket watch featuring an enamelled dial with a hunting scene and an outer case, Rijksmuseum accession BK-NM-12816. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12816
Source-reported date
c. 1800 - c. 1850
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 Dial Construction

The object consists of a primary silver inner watch case paired with a protective outer casing. The outer shell is finished in tortoiseshell, a material often utilized for decorative and protective outer covers for pocket watches during this period. The overall dimensions for the combined assembly are 7.3 cm in height by 5.4 cm in width.

The dial is executed in white enamel and features black Roman numerals to denote the hours. A hand-painted hunting scene is positioned centrally on the dial. The

Evidence for this section
  • “The separate outer case is covered with tortoiseshell.”
  • “On the enamelled dial is a depiction of a hunting scene.”

Dimensions and Identification

The watch is officially catalogued by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the accession number BK-NM-12816. The museum provides precise measurements for both the inner watch and the total external dimensions. The internal watch diameter is recorded as 4.9 cm.

The total depth of the combined cases is 2.2 cm. These measurements confirm the object as a standard-sized pocket watch. The classification provided by the museum also notes the usage of silver as the primary metal component for the watch casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12816”
  • “diameter 4.9 cm”
  • “height 7.3 cm x width 5.4 cm x depth 2.2 cm”

Chronology and Collection

The object is dated to a period spanning the first half of the nineteenth century, specifically between 1800 and 1850. This attribution covers a timeframe in which silver-cased pocket watches with decorative dials were produced.

As an institutional holding, the object is maintained within the Rijksmuseum collection. The current record is derived from the museum's internal documentation and catalogue, providing an established provenance within the institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “c. 1800 - c. 1850”
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12816”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the maker, if any, hidden behind the enamel dial or inside the case back?
  • Can the origin of the painting on the dial be linked to a specific region or decorative tradition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Pocket Watch with Hunting Scene
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Object NumberBK-NM-12816“BK-NM-12816”
Materialstortoise shell, silver“tortoise shell, silver (metal)”
Date Rangec. 1800 - c. 1850“c. 1800 - c. 1850”
Watch Diameter4.9 cm“diameter 4.9 cm”
Total dimensions7.3 cm x 5.4 cm x 2.2 cm“height 7.3 cm x width 5.4 cm x depth 2.2 cm”
Decorated Dialenamelled dial with hunting scene“On the enamelled dial is a depiction of a hunting scene.”
Outer Casetortoiseshell“The separate outer case is covered with tortoiseshell.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with central painted hunting scene.
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers.
  • Silver case with decorative engraved bezel edge.
  • Key-wind aperture located near the three o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • Maker and specific origin remain unverified.
  • The 'wrist watch' museum classification is likely an error given the pendant bow construction typical of pocket watches.

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

Consulted source

Watch of silver, c. 1800 - c. 1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8ab8d17fb3

Terms in this record

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

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