Antique Timepiece Drop Spindle No.238 - Circa 1850 Swiss Hand Carved/Etched Silver Watch Dial Whorl - Free Shipping (US)

ON SALE: Was $170... Now $145

Antique Timepiece (STEAMPUNK) Style Drop Spindle No.238: Circa 1850, Swiss Made, Verge Fusee Style Sterling Silver w/Gold Wash Hand Pocket Watch Dial with Hand Carved/Etched Scenery, Large Antique Clock Gear Whorl and lots of Sparkle

Weight: 1.2 ounce (36 grams), Whorl: 2.12” (54mm), Shaft: Smaller Size = .104” (2.7mm) dia. in Metallic Emerald Green x 8.6” (21.8cm)

Made from a total of 98 individual pieces, the centerpiece of this Antique Timepiece Drop Spindle is a gorgeous example of Victorian beauty and craftsmanship with this hand carved/etched sterling silver Verge Fusee type pocket watch dial that is adorned with antique watch parts and Swarovski crystals - then sealed with a thick layer of epoxy for a long life/no snag finish. PARTS USED: This piece has the dial with antique and vintage watch wheels/gears and crystals applied, one large brass antique clock chime wheel, a travel clock spring winding barrel/gear, a brass filigree bead cap, gold plated findings, and 83 Preciosa and Swarovski crystal rhinestones (Siam, Siam Shimmer, and Siam Champagne colors) - all mounted to a metallic emerald green powder-coat painted spring steel shaft with heat forged hook. All components are bonded with an industrial epoxy adhesive.

HISTORY of FUSEE STYLE MOVEMENTS AND DIALS: a fusee (from the French fusée, wire wound around a spindle) is a cone-shaped pulley with a helical groove around it, wound with a cord or chain which is attached to the mainspring barrel. Fusees were made throughout Europe and The US and used in portable pocket watches from the early 1600’s - early 1900’s to improve timekeeping by equalizing the uneven pull of the mainspring as it ran down. Fusee movements were eventually fazed out and by the mid 19th century; Swiss and American watchmaking industries exclusively employed the going barrel with the cylinder escapement - significantly improving timekeeping precision. England continued to make the bulkier full plate fusee watches until about 1900.

A wide variety movements were made from the ornately hand carved and pierced gilt brass movements to less decorated and utilitarian brass and nickel plated alloy movements. Dials were also made in a very wide variety of designs - including fancy silver and gold alloys with ornate carvings, full color/hand painted polychrome works of art on porcelain enamel, common white and colored porcelain enamel dials with hand painted and silkscreen printed numerals and markings, and plated base metal dials.

- FREE SHIPPING - US ONLY: Applies to All US States and Select US Territories and ships via USPS 1st Class Mail with Insurance and Tracking. Upgraded/expedited shipping options available at check-out.

- In-stock orders typically ship in 1 business day. Out-of-stock/custom orders typically ship within 10 business days. Please allow 2 to 5 days for transit time (ships from Tucson, AZ).

- INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLE: I ship to 38 countries and rates are available on this page (top right).

- Hand crafted in Tucson, AZ, by John Galen Gudenkauf (owner/artist) with US and Global Materials.