Antique Silver Niello Full Hunter Pocket Watch Emperor Haile Selassie Urania 45m

Offered for your consideration is a remarkable and highly historic antique full hunter pocket watch by Urania. This exceptional timepiece was specially commissioned for the imperial court of Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia. His reign (1930–1974) was marked by profound modernization efforts and strong international diplomacy. Timepieces bearing his likeness were highly exclusive, typically presented as gifts of state to visiting dignitaries, loyal military commanders, and esteemed members of the imperial inner circle. The incredible niello silver case, depicting classic scenes of the Ethiopian wilderness, elevates this from a mere timekeeper to a significant artifact of African imperial history.

Detailed Specifications & Condition Report

The Portrait Dial & Hands

• Artistic Motif: The pristine white enamel dial is a stunning tribute to the Emperor. The center features a highly detailed,  polychrome portrait of Haile Selassie I in full military dress uniform, adorned with sashes and medals of state.

• Timekeeping: The hours are designated by crisp, bold black Roman numerals radiating around the central portrait. A subsidiary running seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o’clock mark.

• Hands: The time is indicated by a set of incredibly ornate, antique gold-tone filigree hands.

The Silver & Niello Case

• Dimensions & Materials: The well-proportioned full hunter case measures 45mm in diameter. It is crafted from silver, utilizing the ancient and exacting art of niello to create its striking contrast. Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved metal.

• Case Exterior (Front): The front cover is a masterful display of niello work. It depicts a dramatic, high-contrast scene of a powerful lion—the symbol of the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, inextricably linked to the Ethiopian monarchy—locked in combat with a serpent in a lush jungle setting.

• Case Exterior (Rear): The rear cover continues the wilderness motif, featuring an intricate niello engraving of a tiger aggressively taking down a horned antelope amidst dense foliage.

• Inner Case Marks: The polished interior of the main case back is cleanly stamped with the word “NICKEL” and the serial number “198”.

The Precision Movement

• Mechanics: Protecting the heart of this watch is a smooth inner dust cover. Beneath it lies a pristine, high-grade mechanical manual-wind movement by Urania.

• Finishing: The frosted gilt brass bridge plates provide a striking visual contrast against the polished steel components. The movement is clearly stamped with the Urania maker’s mark within an oval cartouche on the main plate. The balance bridge features an intricate regulator scale marked with directional arrows and symbols.

• Operating Condition: This exceptional imperial presentation timepiece remains in perfect working order. The manual-wind movement runs strongly and maintains accurate time.

Terms of Sale This antique presentation timepiece is a functioning piece of Ethiopian imperial history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2500

Shipping & Handling:

• Worldwide shipping with full insurance
• Secure professional packaging
• Tracking number provided immediately after dispatch