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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chatelaine watch

Watch and chatelaine

Partially verified

This object comprises a gold chatelaine, an egg-shaped bloodstone container, a rock crystal seal, and a pocket watch. The chatelaine is attributed to William Hunt, an artisan active in London between 1725 and 1760. The chatelaine itself includes a gilded metal hook. Suspended accessories include an egg-shaped container made of bloodstone and a rock crystal seal engraved with a female head, dated to between 1810 and 1820. The rim of the egg lid features an inscription in gold lettering reading 'A SMILE FROM THEE : IS A WORLD TO ME ::'. The total height of the assembly is 18.4 cm.

Gold watch and chatelaine, featuring a bloodstone container, a rock crystal seal, and a watch with a verge escapement, 18th and 19th century.
Gold watch and chatelaine, featuring a bloodstone container, a rock crystal seal, and a watch with a verge escapement, 18th and 19th century. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Chatelaine watch
Maker / attribution
William Hunt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.14:1 to 4-1992
Source-reported date
1742-1873
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1873

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

Chatelaine Construction and Attributed Maker

The chatelaine acts as a suspension device for the watch and its associated decorative accessories. It features a gilded metal hook at the top, leading to a structure adorned with intricate chased designs.

His work is associated with the Rococo period, and he entered his mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1725.

Evidence for this section
  • “chatelaine by 'WH', probably William Hunt (active in London about 1725-1760)”
  • “He appears to have specialised in gold chatelaines and other small objects in gold”

Watch and Case Specifications

The watch case is constructed of gold and carries hallmarks dating to 1742-1743. The case exhibits chased figurative scenes, a common decorative choice for London-made watchcases of the mid-18th century. The watch itself serves as a replacement within the larger assembly, housing a movement produced by Nathaniel Adams.

The movement features a verge escapement with the top plate explicitly engraved with the maker's name and the number 1873. This component contrast with the earlier manufacture date of the watchcase, confirming its status as a subsequent addition to the chatelaine ensemble.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch a later replacement, the top plate on the verge escapement engraved 'NT Adams 1873 / London'”

Associated Accessories and Provenance

In addition to the watch, the chatelaine supports an egg-shaped bloodstone container and a rock crystal seal. The seal, which bears an engraving of a female head, is dated to 1810-1820. The bloodstone container features a gold-painted inscription on its lid rim: 'A SMILE FROM THEE : IS A WORLD TO ME ::'.

The entire collection was acquired through a bequest from Mrs K. E. Longman, which allowed the piece to enter the current institutional holdings.

Evidence for this section
  • “The egg-shaped container of bloodstone, the seal of rock crystal (around 1810-1820)”
  • “Bequeathed by Mrs K. E. Longman”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'EC' maker's mark on the watch case in relation to William Hunt's shop?
  • Are there additional records of Nathaniel Adams indicating his activity in 1873, or is the number a secondary inventory mark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch and chatelaine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker (Chatelaine)William Hunt“chatelaine by 'WH', probably William Hunt”
Maker (Movement)Nathaniel Adams“Watch movement made in London by Nathaniel Adams”
Watch Hallmark Date1742-1743“Watch hallmarked for 1742-1743”
Seal Date1810-1820“the seal of rock crystal (around 1810-1820)”
InscriptionA SMILE FROM THEE : IS A WORLD TO ME“Painted in gold around the rim of the lid of the egg: 'A SMILE FROM THEE : IS A WORLD TO ME ::'”
Movement Serial1873“top plate on the verge escapement engraved 'NT Adams 1873 / London'”

Visible details

  • Asymmetric scrollwork on the chatelaine structure
  • Chased figurative scenes on the watch case
  • Polished rock crystal seal
  • Verge escapement visible in movement

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the chatelaine maker 'WH' is only probably William Hunt
  • The watch movement is a later replacement for the original component

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

Consulted source

Watch and chatelaine

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fe87b8599a

Terms in this record

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

Other chatelaine watch records