Antique Silver Niello Ware Pocket Watch

Antique silver niello ware pocket watch.

The watch has a good quality gilt stem-winding movement which is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.

The watch measures 49.5mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is silver with niello detailing. Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver, in this case 800 silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal.

Unusually, even the loop has niello detail.

The inner case back is stamped Niel HF, this is the mark of Huguenin Freres of Le Locle, Switzerland. They were well known jewellers and watch case makers, as well as manufacturers of some of the early Olympic medals. They were one of the most prolific producers of niello cases throughout the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.

There is a small Continental silver hallmark to the side of the movement casing.

The case is in lovely condition, just the odd minor mark but nothing serious at all.

The glass lens is in super condition (some natural light reflection showing in the photos).

The dial looks good to the naked eye… there is a faint hairline between 11 and 12 if you look closely. Pin-set hands.

The dial looks good to the naked eye… there is a faint hairline between 11 and 12 if you look closely. Pin-set hands.

The watch comes in a new presentation box.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (because of GPSR legislation, we no longer post items less than 100 years old to Europe, including Northern Ireland).

Please contact us regarding international shipping.

All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.

We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.

Credit / debit card purchases up to £300 can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the 'Purchase Antique' button on each listing page. Alternatively, there is a Paypal payment link if you scroll down the page and we also accept bank transfers.

We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.