Stag Pocket Watch Stand

Attended a sale recently with a massive pocket watch collection. Over 125 of them and many good. I know nothing when it comes to these and didn’t bother with them since they were priced for pocket watch people. If I can pick one up at a good price I will and find out later but there was lots of other cool stuff and time was limited. I had to choose watches and lots of phone research or everything else. It was snowing and the sale was way in the boonies. I think there was only one or two other people there the whole hour plus I was there. I think they probably had a good rush in the morning but it was empty while I was there. I noticed this hidden on the table behind all the watch and jewelry cases. It was kind of mixed eith the sale runners stuff. Food, drinks, paperwork, phones, etc. I didn’t even know if it was for sale. It was dark in the room and the piece is dark and smallish. It was hard to see but I asked about it. Seems like it was a really nice pocket watch stand. I mean it still is but the antlers are of course broken. I know pocket watch collectors will spend a lot on their collections and accessories. I figured a good stand could be pretty valuable. It has a really great look imo. After looking them up I see many of these fancy ones can go for hundreds. I think mine is cooler than many I’ve seen. I would love to know if anyone may have a guess as to where it came from or who made it? I believe the mark is EE 17. The bottom edge was left raw and unglazed. I think I could have a pretty good one on my hands. Guessing European but only a guess. German maybe? I bought with the express intent of flipping it and it has me now wanting to buy one more pocket watch to fill it up and keep it.

About 6” tall and 6.5” long

 

It's partly my old eyes and partly the terrible photography, but I simply cannot make anything out in your photos to comment on.

I recomment more light, preferably daylight outdoors, for better results. Place it against a lighter neutral background such as light grey.

 

Here is a different background and lighting. It’s works better than either in the first photos for this item. I look forward to any information you may be able to provide.

Possibly French? I know they like their oak.

 

Is it ceramic or gilt metal? It looks more elaborate than anything I have seen but I have no real idea. Sorry. The better pictures will help others.

 

My initial reaction was that it was for inkwells. I assumed that’s what it was before I looked close. Sale runner said he thought it was a pocket watch display. After noticing the spot on top I concurred. Since then I’ve seen others like it. I agree seems perilous though. It is at an angle so as to keep it in place better at least.

Edit: it’s also possible that an Antler may have served as a hook to hang a watch on while it also sat in the recessed area. The angle would probably be enough to keep it put though.

 

Some type of ceramic like material. There are some pretty elaborate ones but I like mine better than most. Thanks!

 

I have seen them where the antlers are used as a pen rest.

 

I’m starting to think it’s a pocket watch Holder that also has spots for inkwells and pen.

Edit: if it was meant for three pocket watches the holes on bottom would have backs.

 

Here’s on with similar dark brown/reddish color and gold paint.

Also an open angled one like mine.

 

Found this. Funny part is I kinda know the seller. Bought a colonial note from him once. He recommended an auction to me I got one of my fav things at.

 

Two more inkwell stands with pocket watch display I found. Dark one is carved ebony. Still hoping someone may have some more insight here. The one I posted above with the brown/red base, blue and gold gilt seems similar enough I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from the same area. It was described as being Russian and French at the same time so that’s not too helpful.

 

How exactly did the watch stay in the holder? Where did the chain go? I'm kind of confused. Also, one of them has an oval receptacle. How would that work with a round watch?

 

That segment of the piece is at an angle. It leans back allowing a watch to lay in the recess. You would take it off a chain maybe, or you could allow it to lay in the tray below. I wondered about the oval too. Maybe for an open case that begs to be seen?

 

the chain normally stayed on the waistcoat. the top one looks Turkish to me, they copy German atrocities of bad taste, make them look glitzy-kitschy and sell them in their kebab shops.

 

The design: A way to keep track of the time while writing letters or practicing calligraphy?

It's interesting to see all of the variants of the design that you found, @J Dagger .

 

When you say the the “top one” are you referring to the original post of the thread of the one I purchased or a different one? Would love to know, thanks.

 

I dig it! “Turn your pocket watch into your desk clock in one easy step!”

There’s some neat ones out there!

 

the original one. or as Frank Zappa would call it "the shiny heinie"

 

Lol speaking of which I once gave my father a sepia tone photo of Frank sitting on the toilet bare heinied for Xmas. I think he still has it hanging by his desk at work. Whatever floats your boat!