A gold Federation watch and associated chain – Trevor Hancock

A GOLD FEDERATION WATCH AND ASSOCIATED CHAIN

TREVOR HANCOCK

The Federation of the Australian Colonies gave rise to much patriotic celebrations. In addition to public events across the nation, the composing of special music, the writing of poems and plays and other creative activities added to the festivities. We also saw the creation of a specific genre of jewellery; “Federation Jewellery”.

Not only were Australian gold and silversmiths busy creating much sought after items but also overseas craftsmen were capitalising on the demand for these patriotic pieces of jewellery.

Unfortunately, many pieces of this uniquely Australian jewellery were melted down during difficult economic times.

This beautifully crafted 18ct gold ladies pocket watch is indeed a special item.

Hand engraved, the obverse carries one of the more popular early Coats of Arms of Australia. This style consists of an early ‘rising sun’ emblem similar to the ‘rising sun’ emblem first used by the Australian Military Forces in 1902 in the Boer War. The shield of four quarters shows a sailing ship, hanging sheep’s carcass, sheaf of wheat and a bull. Apart from the wheat, these are the same symbols found on the Coat of Arms of the City of Melbourne. The Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria (Formed in 1889) also used these symbols to identify the local gold standard. The sheaf of wheat for 9 carat, sheep’s carcass for 15 carat and sailing ship for 18 carat.

Below the shield is a ribbon upon which is engraved “ADVANCE AUSTRALIA”. As with our current Coat of Arms, there is a kangaroo and emu as supporters.

The face of the watch is also crafted in 18ct gold and upon a circle in the centre, in black enamel is printed “THE AUSTRALIAN REGISTERED”. The only marks inside the case lid is ‘18K’ stamped, and ‘The Australian’ engraved in script. The reverse cover is profusely engraved by hand.

There is no indication that this watch was crafted overseas and therefore the notion that it was crafted in Australia could be entertained. There is one other known example in a private collection, in Sydney.

The watch has its key and is housed in the original box of the purveyor; J.M.Wendt of Adelaide (Est 1854) and is in excellent working order. The watch comes with an associated rare, 9 carat gold Guard chain by J.M.Wendt and carries the maker’s mark.