French silver full hunter keywind pocket watch Circa 1850

Silver hunting cased lever watch with chain
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A fine French silver hunting cased pocket watch from the 19th century. It has a mechanical key wound movement with a lever escapement and two winding squares on the back of the movement plate. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours, an outer minute track, and gold hands. The timepiece is housed in a silver full hunter savonette case with front and back covers richly decorated with chased floral motifs and leafy clasps. It includes a matching gilt metal cuvette and comes with a silver chain featuring two attached winding keys and a dedicated leather presentation box adorned with a gilded red emblem.
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 47 g
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Signed: No name
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This pocket watch comes from the private collection of the de Gaulle family, part of a significant release of personal heirlooms and historical artefacts from the estate of Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. Given the historical prestige surrounding General Charles de Gaulle, personal relics connected to his legacy remain in high demand among collectors and historians, driving strong interest and high auction results.
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The de Gaulle family has opened access to original historical documents and personal belongings—items known to history but kept in a safe for nearly forty years. From the estate of Admiral Philippe de Gaulle (1921–2024), this collection showcases the legacy of his father, General Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970).
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Among the key highlights offered alongside such personal timepieces is an important set of drafts for the General’s first book, La Discorde chez l’ennemi (published in 1924 to analyze Germany’s defeat in 1914–1918, estimated at €50,000–60,000), accompanied by numerous manuscripts and personal notes. The collection also features a rare Cartier London slipcase binder containing a directory of his companions, presented and dedicated to de Gaulle in 1945 as founder of the Ordre de la Libération (€8,000–12,000), as well as a historical savonnette gousset watch presented to him by the Bey of Tunis in 1944 (€4,000–8,000).