Vintage Gold-Filled Art Deco Style Cord Bracelet Watch Case
Jewelry / Watch Case / Bracelet · Yellow Gold shade, likely a mid-20th century copper-heavy brass alloy finished with a thin yellow gold coating.
Purity: Likely Gold-Filled (GF) or Gold-Plated (GP). This is not solid gold; it contains less than 5% gold by weight, typically 1/20th 10k or 12k gold over a brass base.
Type
Jewelry / Watch Case / Bracelet
Purity
Likely Gold-Filled (GF) or Gold-Plated (GP). This is not solid gold; it contains less than 5% gold by weight, typically 1/20th 10k or 12k gold over a brass base.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold shade, likely a mid-20th century copper-heavy brass alloy finished with a thin yellow gold coating.
Weight
2.0 - 4.0 grams (total weight of metal components). Total weight is negligible for bullion investment.
Description
This is a remnant of a mid-century ladies' cocktail watch. The movement and dial have been removed, leaving only the gold-filled outer shell and the black cord bracelet. It represents a functional piece of jewelry from an era where watches were secondary to the aesthetic of the bracelet.
Key Features
Tonneau (barrel) shaped case, cord-loop attachments, and the missing internal movement characteristic of 'scrap' jewelry units.
Color & Finish
Aged yellow gold color with significant patina, oxidation, and surface wear. Finish appears to have been high-polish originally, now displaying dull brassy undertones where the plating has worn away.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps in the image; typically found on the interior of the case back or the fold-over clasp. Common marks for this style include 'GF', 'RGP' (Rolled Gold Plate), or maker's initials like Hamilton or Elgin.
Dimensions Estimate
Case: 15mm x 20mm; Band: 6 inches (approximate cord length); Cord diameter: 1.5mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The central 'stone' area is an empty watch face aperture, previously housing a mechanical watch movement and dial.
Clasp & Closure
Gold-plated fold-over jewelry clasp (partially visible at the top). These were standard for cord-style watches to allow for minor length adjustments.
Chain & Links
Black nylon or silk cord straps held by gold-filled 'end-pieces' and slide adjusters. No gold links are present.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped casing with soldered lugs. The quality is standard for mass-produced mid-market jewelry of the 1950s.
Authentication Indicators
The green/dark oxidation on the inner edges and the 'thin' look of the gold color indicates a base metal core rather than solid karat gold. Lack of visible hallmarks on the outer exterior also points to plated/filled status.
Origin & Maker
Likely American or Swiss origin. Common manufacturers of such casings include Wadsworth, Star Watch Case Co., or Fahys.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro (Late 1940s to 1950s). The cord-bracelet design was a popular feminine watch style during this period following the Art Deco era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955 based on the cord-attachment style and the tonneau-shaped case geometry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII shift toward delicate, feminine accessories and the democratization of luxury through gold-filled manufacturing techniques.
Condition Notes
Poor. The item is incomplete (missing the watch movement, hands, and dial). The metal shows heavy 'brassing' (wear-through), and the cord is likely brittle from age.
Value Estimate
Minimal ($5.00 - $15.00). The value is purely sentimental or for 'parts'; it has no significant melt value due to the lack of solid gold content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners or ultrasonic baths as they will likely strip the remaining thin layer of gold and damage the cord.
Similar Items
14K Solid Gold Lady Hamilton cord watches (which would have '14K' stamped on the back) or modern gold-toned fashion jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Cord watches were designed to look like elegant bracelets; many women in the 1950s wore them as 'hidden' timepieces that complemented evening wear without looking like bulky utility tools.