Timepiece Appraisal

Antique/Vintage Gold-Toned Pocket Watch with Decorative Clasp

This item is an antique or vintage gold-toned pocket watch, likely made from brass or gold-filled material, exhibiting a circular case with a diameter that appears to be standard for pocket watches of the early to mid-20th century. The watch features a cream or aged ivory-colored dial with clear, black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12. There are minute markers visible around the periphery of the dial. The hour and minute hands are dark, simple baton or leaf-style, and appear to be intact. A significant visible characteristic is the patina on the metal casing, suggesting age and oxidation, with some areas appearing darker or discolored, particularly on the bezel. The crystal covering the dial is somewhat obscured by glare but appears to be domed and in fair condition, albeit possibly with minor scratches or hazing typical of age. At the top, there is a crown for winding and setting the time, and directly connected to it is a bail or bow-shaped loop with an intricate, possibly decorative, clasp or attachment piece. This attachment piece has a distinct, elongated, and somewhat abstract 'T' or cross-like shape, suggesting it might be a specific type of clasp for attaching to a chain or fob, or perhaps a part of a repurposed design. At the bottom of the watch case, there is a smaller, simple bail, which would typically be used for an alternative attachment point or to allow the watch to hang straight when worn on a chain. The overall construction appears sturdy for its age, though the level of wear indicates consistent handling over time. The legibility of the 'KELTON' (or similar) maker's mark on the dial is visible, indicating a potential manufacturer. Given the visible aging, general style, and specific marking, this pocket watch likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, possibly 1920s-1950s. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial standard for its period, with a utilitarian yet classic design.