Unusual Pocket Watch Case

[GD1]

I just bought at auction a 16 size YGF open face pocket watch case. It is hinged in front and when you open the front cover the entire inside lifts completely out, kind of like a swing out type but the whole ring comes out with the stem and crown still attached if you can picture what I'm describing. No name anywhere I can see. Any idea who manufactured this?

[GD1]

I just bought at auction a 16 size YGF open face pocket watch case. It is hinged in front and when you open the front cover the entire inside lifts completely out, kind of like a swing out type but the whole ring comes out with the stem and crown still attached if you can picture what I'm describing. No name anywhere I can see. Any idea who manufactured this?

[terry hall]

I have seen these by various manufacturers....mostly in 18s..
Fahy's was one....

I call them a 'pair' case...

Have seen them in gold fill, gold plated, and silveroid, and I think coin silver.

think most have a cover over movement to protect from dust...

Have also seen examples with a hinged front bezel, then the center ring is hinged on the side and the movement, stem, crown swing sideways.... when this hinge is broken the entire movement will lift out also :eek:

[Jon Hanson]

is case signed GEM?

[terry hall]

good question jon.... i have one of these...

[GD1]

Good guess. I looked with a loupe and it's faint but it is indeed marked GEM with a serial number.

[Jon Hanson]

I didn't really GUESS AS I HAVE HAD SEVERAL DOZEN OF THESE OVER THE YEARS--AN INTERESTING CASE VARIATION FOR ONE'S case COLLECTION, empty or ALL ORIGINAL WATCH. Occasionally these are light in weight.

BEWARE OF KNIFE MARKS FROM ATTEMPTED OPENING BY IGNORANT FOLKS UNAWARE of what these are and how they open.