Party like it's 1893 with this Good Luck 1893 horseshoe watch winder key ... wind it back in time wearing a watch key necklace charm.  

- description -
The wonderful two sided horseshoe watch key reads Happy New Year on one side and Good 1893 Luck on the reverse with a loop directly attached and suspended on a large jump ring.  
A watch key, or key winder, was necessary to wind the watch and to set the movements. The sizes of the watch keys varied, and were made to fit the square shaft in the pocket watch to wind the watch, and the styles varied, some were no more than functional and some were fabulously ornate fobs or pendants.

- symbolism -
Sporting and gaming jewelry motifs became very popular during the Victorian era.  Equestrian and horse racing jewels, bijoux hippiques, became widespread after the completion of the new racecourse at Longchamp, in the Bois de Boulogne, after the first run at the Paris Grand Prix in 1857.
Prince Edwards passion for horse racing further popularized horseback riding motifs in jewelry and the horseshoe became symbolic of good luck.  If the tips of the horseshoe point up it brings good luck to the wearer and if the tips point down it brings good luck to others.

The horseshoe watch key charm has been reproduced from an antique late Victorian era (1893) pinchbeck watch winder key from my private collection of interesting novelty watch keys, and the original is the golden watch key shown in the photos.  The sterling silver watch keys are not meant to wind your pocket watch since the replica key hole size may be off.

- approximate pendant measurement - 1 1/2" x 1/2” (36mm x 12mm)
- charm metal  - sterling silver (.925 silver)
- photographed with an old US dime for scale
- the chain is sold separately here
- more chains and charm holders are available here

Impressed with history!
©2019 suegray jewelry

*Personal time pieces were introduced in the 16th century, and were called pocket watches, a watch meant to be carried in the pocket and tethered to a chain, cord, strap, etc. to prevent it from being dropped and for a quick and easy grasp from the pocket.