RARE Antique Victorian 1899 Memento Mori Silver Pocket Watch Perfect Working

Available for your consideration is an extraordinary piece of 19th-century horological history: a Silver Cylinder Escapement Pocket Watch dated 1899, featuring a hauntingly beautiful and rare Memento Mori allegorical dial.

This isn’t just a timepiece; it is a “Vanitas” work of art, a philosophical reminder of the fleeting nature of time and life.

### The Symbolic Masterpiece (The Dial)

The centerpiece of this watch is its exquisite enamel dial. It depicts a classic allegorical scene:

• The Figure of Life: A young woman in a green gown, representing youth, beauty, and the physical world.

• The Figure of Death: A skeletal apparition holding a scythe and a flaming torch, standing in wait as the hands of the clock rotate.

• The Contrast: Positioned between the sun and the shadows, this dial served as a daily meditation for its original owner on the passage of time.

• Details: Features ornate “Louis XIV” style filigree hands, a sub-seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position, and Roman numeral markers punctuated by delicate spade motifs.

### Historical Context & Provenance

The inner dust cover (cuvette) features a stunning, hand-stippled engraving:

“Clemens Häfele / Lindau / 1899”

Lindau is a historic town on the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Bavaria. The watch was likely a custom commission or a significant gift for Mr. Häfele at the turn of the century. To find a Memento Mori watch with a clear link to a specific person and location is exceptionally rare.

### Technical Specifications

• Date: Circa 1899 (Dated on internal engraving).

• Size: 44mm (excluding the crown/bow) — a classic, comfortable “gentleman’s size.”

• Case Material: Solid silver (Continental hallmarks present). The case back features an intricate, engine-turned “radiating star” pattern.

• Movement: A high-quality “Echappement Cylindre Huit Rubis” (8-Jewel Cylinder Escapement).

• Condition: The movement is clean with beautiful heat-blued screws, indicating a higher grade of finishing.

• Accessories: Includes a matching brass winding/set key, allowing for immediate use or display.

### Condition Report

• Dial: Excellent vintage condition. The enamel remains vibrant with no major hairlines or chips visible to the naked eye.

• Case: Honest age-related wear and a beautiful patina. The hinges are tight, and the covers snap shut securely.

• Movement: Running and ticking. (As with all antiques, a professional service is recommended for timekeeping accuracy).

### Why This Belongs in Your Collection

Collectors of Mourning Jewelry, Victorian Oddities, and High-Grade Horology rarely see these elements converge in one piece. The combination of the silver “Lindau” case, the 1899 provenance, and the museum-quality Memento Mori dial makes this a blue-chip investment piece.

Shipping: Professionally packed and shipped with full insurance and tracking worldwide.

Don’t miss the chance to own a literal “slice of time” from the closing year of the 19th century.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $1200

 NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every potencial defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!