June 05, 2009, 20:40
Robert SchusselUnusual pocketwatch holder
This is one of the more unusual pocket watch holders I have seen--it said buy me. It is European.
He is also holding a nice watch.
Bob
June 05, 2009, 22:08
Tom BrownRobert
I really like that, I have never seen anything like it before. I wonder if it is a souvenir from Abbazia, a popular summer and winter resort of Austria. At least that is what I found on the web, never been there myself.
Tom
June 07, 2009, 13:12
Gerald ZimmermannRobert
Your watch holder seems to be very unique. While my eyes were caught by the watch 'eagle-eye' Tom spotted the 'Abbazia' inscription.
My first thought on the holder was 'Italy' and this fits to the former austia-hungarian since 1918 italian Abbazia which is today the croatian 'Opatija', a seaside resort and spa. The high-times of Abbazia were 1884 - 1918 when the nobles an rich from Vienna went to the idyllic place at the adriatic sea where they found all the luxory of this time. (James Joyce was there too).
I think the holder or at least his model was made 1885 - 1900.
Are there any other markings on the watch holder?
Regards
Gerald
June 08, 2009, 18:53
Robert SchusselGerald
Thank you for your comments.
The following mark was found A.K.& Cie.Clearly it is Eurpoean but where I don't know.
Any other information would be appreciated.
Bob
June 08, 2009, 19:27
Gerald ZimmermannRobert
"A. K. & Cie" 1880 - 1914
Metal ware production company Albert Köhler & Cie founded 1880 in Vienna.
Sold 1900 by German WMF metal ware company but still produced own items and selling WMF items under the 'A. K. & Cie' mark on the Austrian market until 1914.
Regards,
Gerald
June 08, 2009, 19:57
Robert SchusselGerald
Thank you for the additional information--it allowed me to read information about the company.
It seems that AK&Cie produced pieces of art as well as more utilitarian things.
What attracted me to this piece was not only how different it was but it seemed to be very artistic--I paid $180.
It may be hard to see in the photo but the inside of the boat seems to be Gold plated.My guess is that it a somewhat upscale tourist item.
Bob