Antique Georgian 9ct Rose Gold Swivel ‘Ouroboros’ Serpent Watch Key Winder - Circa 1820’s
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
A highly collectible and desirable piece of Georgian functional jewellery history in the form of an Ouroboros / Serpent watch key winder.
“The ouroboros is often interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The skin-sloughing process of snakes symbolises the transmigration of souls, the snake biting its own tail is a fertility symbol”.
Key winding watches were first made during the 16th century and remained in use until Adrien Philippe invented the stem winding watch in 1842.
Necessary to wind these early watches, and to set the movements, the accompanying keys were often ornate, symbolic in design, and crafted as beautiful fictional pieces of jewellery befitting a their wealthy owners.
This fine example has survived approximately 200 years in very good condition, and, can now be worn as a pendant for a unique #neckmess styling, or perhaps even added to a charm bracelet if desired.
STONES
None
MEASUREMENTS
Length - 3.3cm
Width - at widest 1.2cm
ERA
Georgian - 1714-1837
WEIGHT
1.59 Grams
MARKS
None
CONDITION
Very good antique Georgian condition. Swivel top loop swivels perfectly. No repairs. Slight drifting of ’seam’ to winding shaft - not split internally - to gold on winder shaft, superficial and almost impossible to see without x10 jewellery loupe, noting for accuracy only. No other issues to note.
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
For all international purchases, a third party postal company will complete the final stage of delivery.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options