Antique French Verge Fusee Pocket Watch – Memento Mori Skull Gilt Silver Enamel

I am pleased to offer from my private collection this an extraordinary and highly collectible antique verge fusee pocket watch is a fine example of early 19th-century French horology, crafted in 18k gold-plated silver (vermeil). The enamel dial bears Roman numerals with delicate gold hands, signed “Ollivier à Alger”. The movement features a beautifully hand-pierced and engraved balance cock, typical of high-quality verge movements from this period. The outer case is an extraordinary feature: adorned with a dramatic Memento Mori motif in enamel and relief gold, depicting a skull above a banner that reads “MEMENTO MORI”, a Latin phrase reminding the wearer of the inevitability of death. This powerful symbolism was popular in Georgian-era Europe and often used in mourning or philosophical obj.

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