This is a 19th-century antique sterling silver pocket watch winding key pendant, crafted in a novelty figural design, featuring the bust of a bearded man wearing a turban or classical headpiece.

This is a 19th-century antique sterling silver pocket watch winding key pendant, crafted in a novelty figural design, featuring the bust of a bearded man wearing a turban or classical headpiece. It is a functional yet decorative accessory, designed for a gentleman’s watch fob or a lady's chatelaine.

A finely detailed bust of a bearded man, possibly representing a historical, mythological, or exotic figure.

The facial features are sculpted with depth, including a well-defined beard, mustache, and expressive eyes.
He wears a turban or headdress, suggesting an orientalist, Middle Eastern, or classical European influence (similar to figures in Renaissance and Victorian art).

The turban has subtle folds and contours, showing skilled craftsmanship in metalwork.
The bust is mounted on a flat circular base, adding stability to the piece.

The shaft extends downward, transitioning into the winding bit, which is tapered to fit the winding mechanism of a key-wound pocket watch.

The bit is cylindrical with a squared opening, ensuring compatibility with traditional mechanical pocket watches from the 18th to 19th centuries.

The bust design suggests influences from classical antiquity (Greek/Roman), the Middle East, or the Renaissance Revival movement.

During the Victorian era, Orientalism and exotic motifs were highly popular in jewelry and watch fobs.
Watch keys featuring busts of famous figures, philosophers, or exotic representations were status symbols.

These novelty watch winding pendants are extremely hard to come by today.

*chain not included*

Measurements :The winding key pndant measures 3.3cm x 1.2cm.Total weight of 5.3grams.