Incredible artistry in miniature, this is a 19th century 18k gold pocket watch key, figural with head of a whippet dog or hunting hound. I've had this for decades. The winding tip is 2mm, so even less for the stem-winder, and I've never owned an 18k watch I thought it really went with aesthetically. I had visions of a jeweled or enameled 18k watch. Most of those are quite feminine. So it comes time to let it go. It is housed in a crown (meaning: Maker To the Queen) embossed presentation case for Byrne, Bond Street, Liverpool. It is 28mm long, 13mm widest at the hound's head. As a piece of fine jewelry, it would be so pretty as a pendant on a petite gold chain.
Excellent condition for age and type (mid-late 1800s), I can see nothing to report as a flaw. It appears never to have been put to use, and I suspect it was a gift left in its box. I found it in London ages ago. Acid tested, I see no hallmark on it. A special commission, perhaps?
