18th Century Russian Imperial Rooster Pocket Watch, Catherine II Era Scn25gou001

18th Century Russian Imperial Rooster Pocket Watch, Catherine II Era SCN25GOU001. This exceptional pocket watch, belonging to a Tsarist officer or aristocrat of 18th-century Imperial Russia, is a testament to Russian imperial splendor. Handcrafted by a master watchmaker in Saint Petersburg during the 18th century, it bears the lozenge hallmark "A;?." with a crown at the top. The rooster features a carved, openwork design in the form of a double-headed imperial eagle, an emblem of Russian authority and grandeur. The eagle displays a sword and scepter in its talons. These same ornaments are found on the Alexander Column in Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, where three eagles are depicted with an orb, sword, and scepter. While the orb is the usual emblem, representations with a scepter were also found in earlier times, which is obviously and technically more... Solid for the balance cock of a watch, the crown was naturally not depicted for the same reasons. This representation corresponds well to the era of Catherine II. Dial and hands: Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals for the minutes (4 numerals), the dial has a discreet crack. The hands, with their delicately engraved floral motifs, testify to the refinement and craftsmanship of the period. The dial's perimeter is adorned with 9 glass, marble, and multicolored earthenware beads, fairly well preserved, though some have minor imperfections. This specific ornamentation adds a touch of prestige and color. Case: Solid silver, in very good condition, with the typical shape of late 18th-century European watches. The ring hinge is perfect, and the opening and locking mechanisms are in perfect working order. Crystal: The crystal is intact and in impeccable condition. Movement: The watch is complete with its internal chain, ready to be admired or restored. The internal condition is free of oxidation, reflecting the regular and meticulous care given to this piece. Precious, with engraved dates indicating a mid-19th-century overhaul. The A and R advance/slow adjustment sliders are shaped like the Cyrillic alphabet, a reminder that French was commonly spoken among the aristocracy of Imperial Russia. Although currently non-functional, we offer to restore it for €100 to bring this horological masterpiece back to life. Otherwise, it will be shipped as is. This watch is not just a timepiece; it is a symbol of rank and loyalty to the crown. Owning this watch means collecting the soul of 18th-century Russia: a rare, prestigious piece steeped in imperial history that connoisseurs will appreciate. This military watch boasts impressive dimensions: Diameter 57 mm, Height 72 mm (including the ring), Thickness 25 mm. Fast and well-protected shipping worldwide.