Skull-form Memento Mori pocket watch

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a cast-metal case designed as a human skull. The exterior is finished with realistic paint intended to simulate bone texture. A hinged section on the top of the skull allows access to the inner dial.

The case shows signs of wear, including paint loss and abrasions consistent with its age.

Movement and Escapement

The movement is an English full-plate type finished with fire gilding. It employs a traditional fusee and chain system for power delivery. The balance is a simple three-arm steel construction regulated by a blue-tempered steel hairspring.

The escapement is of the verge type. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved with a mask motif and includes a silver regulator disk. The movement plates are engraved with the serial number 497 and the maker's name.

The auction description indicates that the operational health of the movement was not assessed and notes that collectors should evaluate the condition of the fusee chain and the verge pallets.

Provenance and Identification

The object is identified as an English memento mori pocket watch dating to the early 19th century. Its attribution to England is based on the provided catalogue record, which notes the characteristic English full-plate movement construction.

The serial number 497 is engraved on the movement plate. The source does not provide specific provenance history for this object, focusing instead on its physical design and technical configuration.