Antique Timepiece Support Spindle No.186 - Tibetan Size-Steampunk Style - c.1920 Wizard Watch Dial - Free Shipping (US Only)

Antique Timepiece Support Spindle No.186 ~ One-of-Two made - Steampunk Design - Tibetan Size - Circa 1920 "Wizard" labeled Swiss Pocket Watch Dial

WEIGHT: 1.6oz. (46g), WHORL: 1.72” (44mm) diameter, SHAFT: - this is the larger of the 2 that I make = .138" (3.5mm) dia. x 8.3" (21.4cm) length in Metallic Candy Apple Red
- NO-HOOK OPTION - Choose Option in Drop Down Menu - REMOVES 1/2" from total shaft length

Balanced to Perfection! This is a medium weight Size Support Spindle with plenty of rim weight for a good long spin - for spinning a wide variety of short and longer staple fibers.

Made from 27 individual pieces, this spindle (one of two nearly identical spindles) is made from a truly unique dial - Circa 1920, labeled "Wizard - this is a Swiss made for US import pocket watch dial that was used in a variety of faked look-alike watches sold in the early 1900's. It is a 3 piece dial - made from a snap fit machine/damaskeen (or damascene) engraved gold plated cap, a deep red cellulose acetate film with yellow/gold numerals, and a copper backing - adorned with period correct watch gears, screw, and crystal rhinestones - then coated with two thick layers of epoxy resin top coat for a no-snag/long life finish. The finished dial is mounted to a real gold plated 3mm thick filigree pendant and a vintage brass clock gear for a whorl - fitted to a metallic candy apple red powder-coat painted steel shaft with a hand forged hook - finished off with real gold plated spiral beads and silver plated findings, and one polished steel winding gear and crystal for fine balancing. All components are assembled with an industrial 2-part epoxy adhesive.

SWISS MADE WATCHES: The Swiss became dominant watchmakers following the religious upheavals of the early 16th century when wars forced civilians to become refugees and flee across the European continent. Some of these refugees moved to Switzerland, especially Geneva and took their watchmaking expertise with them. Of note, French Huguenots fled persecution in France and brought with them their watchmaking knowledge and a ban on gold jewelry in the city of Geneva, Switzerland drove the goldsmiths and jewelers to turn to watchmaking as an alternative instead of escaping the city.  Unlike gold jewelry, watches were not banned and resulted in a lucrative market for the jewelers. The Swiss watch industry greatly expanded from these circumstances and thus the Swiss industry was born.

A wide variety of Swiss (analog watch – Circa 1600 - 1950) watch movements were made from the ornately hand carved and pierced gilt brass movements to less decorated and utilitarian brass and nickel plated alloy movements. Dials were also made in a very wide variety of designs - including fancy silver and gold alloys with ornate carvings, full color/hand painted polychrome works of art on porcelain enamel, common white and colored porcelain enamel dials with hand painted and silkscreen printed numerals and markings, and more basic plated base metal dials.

FREE SHIPPING Applies to All US States and Select US Territories Only: In-stock orders typically ship in 1 business day and Made-to-Order spindles typically ship within 3 business days - via USPS-GROUND ADVANTAGE. Please allow 2 to 5 days for transit time (ships from Tucson, AZ).

INTERNATIONAL & UPGRADED SHIPPING AVAILABLE: Customer pays 100% of shipping charges for these options