Watch Fob
PeriodCirca 1790 - 1830
Place MadeNew York or New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumGold, carnelian
Dimensions1.25 × 1 × 0.75 in. (3.2 × 2.5 × 1.9 cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineGift of Miss Louise Hartshorne, 1934
Object number666
DescriptionA man's watch fob, of gold, with an ovoid base and a compound openwork scroll frame, topped by a wide loop for a watchchain. The base of the fob is set with a reddish orange oval made of carnelian, simply engraved with the words "I WILL SURMOUNT IT" arching above a ladder and a heart.Curatorial RemarksOnce a viable pocket watch able to keep consistent and accurate time was introduced in the late 18th century, watch fobs became a popular accessory. At first, fobs were worn by both men and women, but by the 19th century, the fob was considered a man's accessory. A pocket watch would be attached to a length of chain, with one end attached to a loop, fastened to the wearer's waistband or waistcoat button. The watch was tucked into a waist sash or small pocket either in pants, a skirt, or a waistcoat. A second chain, also known as a fob, hung from the loop and attached at the bottom to whatever fob the wearer selected. Fobs were usually of gold or silver, and often inset on the base with a carved semiprecious stone, a gemstone, or other decorative piece. This fob is inset with a carnelian, a semiprecious stone mined as early as Neolithic times. The warm reddish color and its relative softness, making for easy carving, resulted in carnelian being a popular gemstone choice for thousands of years. Carnelian is mined in South America, Siberia, Germany, and many other locations. The stone in this particular fob is carved with a ladder, heart, and motto "I Will Surmount It." The images and words are carved into the stone in a technique known as intaglio.NotesDonor Louise Hartshorne gave many objects and artifacts to the Historical Association for almost two decades. Most of the items, ranging from textiles and accessories to children's toys and games, descended to her through both the Taylor and Hartshorne families of Middletown. This watch fob may have been worn by one of the male Taylors of Middletown in the very late 18th or early 19th century. Although the identity of the fob's original owner is unknown, the romantic inscription on the inset carnelian oval reading "I Will Surmount It" above a ladder and heart may indicate the fob's being given as a wedding or anniversary present.
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