This chest on stand was my grandfather's who was a collector of fine things. The history of this piece is not well known, though he once said that he bought it from an auction at a mansion in the Main Line of Philadelphia.
The top part is a square cabinet with two locking doors. Inside are 2 shelves that are movable. The design on the front is Asian, very intricate. The bottom stand is made of much darker wood with more traditional designs.
The two pieces connect with just a few screws. It is apart currently just for storage's sake. There are no identifying marks that we can find, no names or marks of any kind.
Arms and legs seem to be made out of either a foam rubber or foam material. Due to aging the rubber or foam material is hard and cracked in spots and can be flaked off. The face seems to be made out of a hard, but pliable material and fuzzy. Clothin seems to be original and very detailed, with socks and shoes. I beleive the gloves or mittens may be new.. looks like someone may have put them on the hands to keep the foam from coming off.
Here is a description of the watch. I will send photos to anyone interested in buying the item. It has a gilt movement with the word TUDOR - 17 RUBIES - SWISS MADE. On the inside back of the case is written - R.W.Co. LTD - .375 and the number 179217. There are also 3 symbols that look to be the rolex hallmarks at the 3,12 and 9 o'clock positions.The dial looks to be porcelain with the Tudor Rose hallmark on the dial and the word TUDOR below it and the word ROYAL below that. On the bottom of the dial it says SWISS MADE. The hands look to be Gold and there is a second hand also at the 6 position. The watch case is approximately 28 mm in diameter. The band is gold also with the word ROLEX - B&S - .375 written on the inside of the locking clasp. I believe it was made in England in the 1930's or 40's, but I am not sure. Any info you can give me on the correct place and date of manufacture would be greatly appreciated. I would be very willing to sell at a reasonable price. The watch has been completely serviced and keeps excellent time although the dial does need cleaned up. My local jeweler does great work on the mechanics but is somewhat leery about cleaning the dials on watches. He would only slightly brush clean the dial. Please email back at [email protected] or call 304-782-2673.
