Museum Collections
Luce Center
Pocket watch and key
Object Number:
INV.12418a-c
Date:
1851
Medium:
Gold, glass, enamel
Dimensions:
overall (case): 1/2 x 3 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. ( 1.3 x 9.2 x 11.4 cm )
overall (key): 1 3/8 x 3/8 x 1/8 in. ( 3.5 x 1 x 0.
Marks:
engraved: in dial: "F. Kiddle / New York / Eight Days / Case 1851"
engraved: workings plate: "Fredk Kiddle. New York / Detachd Leven / Chronometer Balance / Improvd Eight Day."
Description:
Gold hunting case 8-day pocket watch with silver key; lightly incised geometric design on casing; round pendant knob and bow; glass face; white enamel dial with black roman numeral hours and arabic numeral minutes; hour and minute hands; inscription on dial; markings on inside of both front and back of casing. Silver watch key with ovoid loop at the top; ring attached at center of key; cylindrical stem to key.
Gallery Label:
This pocket watch's maker, Frederick Kiddle (1822-1872), was born in Bath, England. After emigrating to New York City, he opened his watchmaking office at 3 John Street. His brother, with whom he sailed to New York, was Henry Kiddle, the first superintendant of New York City schools.
Credit Line:
Gift of Alfred M. F. Kiddle, 1965
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.