I picked up this pocket watch holder at flea market this am and would like to get some info on it. It is I believe English brass, late 1800s, and will hold a size 18 watch.
Is this even close and anything else you cantell me about it.

What does the 4 1/2 mean?

Any idea of value.

If the reflected images don't scare you nothing will.

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Someone once told me these where used in dusty environments. Like mines. pure speculations.

I have had a few email responses to this quiry. No one indcluding my self has ever seen one before.
Could it be that the eye on the top of the case was used for hanging it over a hook near the engineer of whatever vehicle or in the caboose of a train, somewhere it could be easily seen.

Many marine items are brass??

i have a near identical one but it has come unsoldered -bah humbug!!!

Tom:

Could this be a necessity here in Canada, maybe they need extra sheilding to work in the igloos.

I think they are a form of outside workers watch protector,perhaps even for sailors

There was an article sometime ago in "Horological Journal" about miner's watch cases like this one. Unfortunately, I can't tell you which one

Regards.
Bob

I have three similar cases that were marked Primus and are three different sizes, mine are marked 21 1/2, 23, and 23 1/2. They also have a piece of red felt that the back of the watch would rest on.

I have always heard they were used by miners & I recall my father telling me about using them in the coal mines back in the early 1900's.

I have also heard that during WWI some soldiers used them