A Piece of Vatican History — Antique c. 1850 Foignet à Cours Papal Pocket Watch

A Piece of Vatican History — Antique c. 1850 Foignet à Cours Papal Pocket Watch

Presenting an incredibly rare and historically significant antique pocket watch, masterfully crafted by the renowned French watchmaker Foignet à Cours circa 1850. This extraordinary timepiece was specially commissioned for the cabinet of Pope Pius IX (whose papacy ran from 1846 to 1878).

The case features a breathtaking, high-relief emblem of the Holy See: The Papal Tiara crossed with the Keys of Heaven (Saint Peter’s keys), symbolizing papal authority. Crafted from 18K gilt silver (vermeil), this is an exceptional artifact for both horology collectors and those passionate about Catholic and Vatican history.

Item Specifics:

• Maker: Foignet à Cours (Signed on the inner cuvette)

• Era/Circa: Mid-19th Century (c. 1850)

• Case Material: 18k Gilt Silver (Vermeil)

• Case Diameter: 46mm

• Dial: Original white enamel with Roman numeral hour markers, an outer Arabic minute track, and elegant blued steel Breguet-style hands.

• Movement: Antique mechanical cylinder escapement with a beautiful bridge layout. Features an “Avance/Retard” regulation scale.

• Winding Mechanism: Key-wind and key-set (winding key is included).

• Hallmarks: French diamond-shaped maker’s mark and serial/case numbers stamped inside the case back.

Condition Report: This museum-quality timepiece is in exceptional antique condition.

• Case: The 18k gilt silver case boasts an incredibly crisp and highly detailed Papal crest on the back. The engine-turned (guilloché) detailing on the inner cuvette remains sharp and deeply textured.

• Dial: The original white enamel dial is bright and beautiful. (Please note: as expected with an enamel dial of over 170 years of age, there are very faint, minor hairline surface marks visible under magnification, primarily near the center and the 7-8 o’clock position—please review macro photos). * Movement: The mechanical movement is clean and visually intact, complete with its key-wind components.

• Disclaimer: As with all antique mechanical watches, it may require a professional service by a qualified horologist for optimal daily timekeeping accuracy.

What’s Included:

• 1 Antique Foignet à Cours Papal Pocket Watch

• 1 Pocket Watch Winding/Setting Key

Shipping & Handling:

• Item will be shipped within 2 business days of cleared payment.

• Due to the rarity and value of this item, it will be dispatched using highly secure, expedited shipping with full insurance and mandatory signature confirmation upon delivery.

• The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3000

If you are not satisfied in any way-money back guarantee.

Free shipping to worldwide.