An Antique Watch Fob by Peter Carl Faberge
St. Petersburg, Russia, circa 1885
The fob pendant is designed as a miniature navy cannon.
The realistically modeled parcel gilt silver cannon is mounted on a piece of carved nephrite set in 14K rose gold.
The silver barrel of the cannon is mounted on a naval “wooden” carriage made of gilded silver and skilfully engraved to imitate woodgrain.
The muzzle of the cannon is sealed with a dark red enamel.
Watch fob is a pendant which is usually attached to a watch chain. It served as an anchor when placed in the second pocket of the vest or a purely decorative piece of jewelry when hanging off the pocket watch chain.
Frequently, watch fobs had personal meaning to the wearer. This particular watch fob is clearly a unique special order piece made for a navy artillery officer.
The fob is marked in several places –
on the smaller ring, with maker’s initials ‘ К Ф ‘ for Carl (Karl) Faberge and St. Petersburg coat of arms,
on the larger ring, with ‘ К Ф ‘ and 56 zolotnik gold standard (14K) with St. Petersburg arms,
under the base, with St. Petersburg assay hallmark and Faberge’s initials.
Width – 20 mm (3/4 in.)
Height – 13 mm (1/2 in.)
