AI Appraisal Estimate

This item appears to be a vintage-style metal watch fob attached to a black leather strap with a small metal buckle. The metal plate is approximately rectangular with rounded corners and a notched side where the strap attaches. The front side features a raised, relief-style depiction of a tracked excavator or bulldozer, consistent with heavy industrial equipment designs of the mid-20th century. Vertically aligned text on the right side of the plaque reads 'INTERNATIONAL' in san-serif block letters. The material appears to be a cast base metal, possibly brass or bronze given the yellowish oxidation visible, though the surface has a dull, silver-toned or nickel finish that shows significant wear. The reverse side, as reported by the owner but not visible in the provided image, is stated to bear a mark reading 'wilhelm-Davies co.inc Wallingford Conn.'; this mark would be consistent with a known manufacturer of promotional metal goods, though this remains an unverified user-supplied claim. The leather strap exhibits signs of age, including creasing and surface cracking, while the buckle shows significant brassing and structural oxidation. These features are stylistically consistent with promotional items produced for the International Harvester company roughly between the 1940s and 1960s, though physical verification of the materials and manufacturer's stamp would be necessary to establish a more precise origin.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, this item appears to be a promotional watch fob featuring heavy machinery in relief. The piece includes vertically oriented text reading 'INTERNATIONAL,' suggesting a possible association with the International Harvester company. Per the user's submission, the reverse side is reported to bear a mark for 'wilhelm-Davies co.inc Wallingford Conn.' I cannot verify this mark or the metal composition from a photograph; however, the surface displays oxidation and wear consistent with a base metal casting from the mid-20th century. The leather strap exhibits significant age-related cracking, which generally impacts collectibility. The value estimate is predicated on the hypothesis that this is a period-correct promotional item from the 1940s–1960s. Fobs of this type are popular in the heavy equipment and agricultural collectibles market, though demand fluctuates based on the specific machinery depicted. Comparable examples attributed to this era typically trade in the $45 to $85 range depending on the clarity of the casting and the condition of the strap. If the item were shown to be a modern reproduction or a later 'in the style of' copy, the value would likely drop below $15. To confirm a more precise origin and value, a physical inspection would be required to examine the manufacturer's stamp for depth and style, verify the metal's weight and density, and evaluate the structural integrity of the leather. This report assumes the owner's description of the stamp is accurate but does not constitute a statement of authenticity.