Rare partitioned wooden watchmaker's box, containing an old assortment of metal parts for making multiple watch keys (or "winding stars"). The inside of the lid features superb period handwritten labels numbered 1 to 12, with mentions "Bézières double nickel fine steel" and "Mounted double nickel crowns fine pitch" — typical of watchmaking supplies from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The original compartments still house rods, threaded tips, and crown elements used to assemble the universal keys visible in the last photo.
✦ Provenance: watchmaker's workshop, France ✦ Estimated period: late 19th / early 20th century ✦ Dimensions: 17×10.5×3 cm ✦ Material: Wood, handwritten label, metal and brass ✦ Content: complete assortment of watch parts (key tips) ✦ Condition: good presentation condition, wear, oxidation and stains due to use and age.
A true testament to the watchmaking savoir-faire of the period, this box with handwritten labels is as much a collector's item as it is a professional document.
