I think the hidden key cases are very interesting. I don't have one or have much information on them. Perhaps some of our experts could educate me a little-pros, cons, type of movements they were used on, value,makers, etc. I have a few keywinds but no hidden keys. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. 185 is really a good place to learn about these things.

Regards,

Bob

Bob,

The hideden key case was made by Fahys..with most patend dates to 1884 or so.. Most I have owned and seen are made of coin silver, but also some of silveroid..Most were of the pair case design, with the pendant and crown attached to the movement ring.. and placed inside of a 2 piece case..that held the crystal.. I have a few staight open face cases with the feature.. an interesting and not seen often feature is the center movement holder is hinged to the outter case, I guess it prevents the "dropping" of that center section.. Movements held vary, but most are lower grade.. Many Elgins and a few Walthams.. with all other makes scattered.. Many times today people do not realize the pendant unscrews from the crown.. Many times the key sides are cracked.. as usual very nice examples are difficult to find.. Values well, I have paid as little as 50.00 and sold for as much as 400.00. Every keywind collector should have one example..A R.E. Robbins Waltham in a hidden key case..

John,

Thank you very much for providing this information. Looks like you have a nice example there. I think I have seen a few on Ebay that looked like the pendent would screw out but were not listed as hidden key cases. Like you said they probably didn't know what they had. Would you know if it is possible to repair a cracked key?

Regards,

Bob

Bob,

From what I have seen, the key shaft is threaded to screw into the silver crown..Some regular watch keys are made with a threaded end..and if lucky they fit the threaded crown.. I guess you could cut off a standard key with a long shaft and turn it to proper diameter and then thread a section to fit..If the case is marked Fahys Junior Coin, and has a "pusher piece" it is most likely a hidden key case..also take a look from the rear with the covers open where the pendant piece fits into the movement holder, not the case..you will be able to tell if the center section lifts out..Most open face coin silver cases with a pendant pusher and no rear cover lift spring are great possiblities..

I have two hidden key cases. Both are OF. One is a gold filled Ladd case housing an Elgin. The other is a coin case marked "Junior" in the back. It houses a model 77 AWC.

Tom

John and Tom,

Thanks for the information. I will be on the lookout for one of these.

Regards,

Bob

I just took a picture of one of these to list but the hidden key is missing. Bob f someone has the hidden key laying in a junk draw then you probably get this one cheap.