Rare Gold and Enamel Presentation Pocket Watch with Portrait of Naser Shah

A Rare Swiss Gold and Enamel Hunting Case Presentation Pocket Watch with A Portrait of Naser Al Din Shah, of Persia.

Circa 1880.

Diameter 47 mm (2" diameter x 3" high)

18’’’ nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, wolf's-tooth winding, gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • the front panel centered by a polychrome enamel portrait of Naser al-Din Shah of Persia in an interior, the reverse with the Lion and Sun crest of Persia, the surround with bouquets bordered on each side by polychrome enamel floral sprays.

The fine peinture sur émail portrait featured in this watch is that of Naser al-Din, Shah of Persia. The Shah's reign from 1846-1898 became the third longest reign in the Iranian Monarchy's history, spanning close to 50 years. He became the first leader of his country to visit Europe.

On the second of his three tours of Europe in 1873, he recorded his travels in a diary which was later translated into several languages. During that trip, Queen Victoria appointed him a Knight of the Order of the Garter, one of the greatest orders of chivalry second only by the Victoria, and George Cross.

He was particularly interested in technology and the fine arts, especially inspired during his tours in Europe. Though never formally trained, the Shah himself was an avid painter and photographer. These fine hunting cased watches match the interest of the Shah seamlessly. His likeness and Persian crest are deftly rendered in the enameling techniques revered in Europe. These pieces were likely commissioned as a gift to his hosts during his travels.