Victorian Gilded Greyhound & Carnelian Watch Key Fob

A fob is an adornment or a seal that hangs from the ribbon or chain of a pocket watch. Its purpose is to decorate or add weight to the watch chain itself making it easier for the watch to be withdrawn from a pocket. The fob would have been used to seal the wax of a letter or note.

An unusual watch key fob from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Old-fashioned and Victorian era watches were generally wound using a small key that would fit into a space at the front of the watch. Watch keys were often decorative pieces that also served as pendants or fobs, and are still appreciated for their designs as wearable pieces of jewelry, though they are usually not used for their original winding purpose in the modern day. This wonderful figural watch key has a gilded surface and takes shape in a three-dimensional greyhound dog's head. Carved detail represents the dog's facial features and ears, creating a very realistic rendition of the greyhound breed. The base of the neck has a smooth carnelian seal, and a silver watch key winder is secured to the top of its head. A small gold ring can be found at the side of the winder, allowing the piece to be attached to a bail to hang and wear from a chain. A beautiful and historical Victorian piece, this watch key could be worn as a pendant or charm, or would make a special to any fob collection!

Measurement: The piece measures approximately 1" tall from the top of the watch key winder to the base. Lengthwise, the fob measures 7/8" from the base of the neck to the tip of the greyhound's nose, and the piece is 3/8" at its thickest point.

Condition: The overall condition of the piece is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the gilded setting, and the carnelian seal is and watch key winder are in fine condition.