German early Glashütte gentleman’s pocket watch Circa 1881

Gold commemorative watch
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A very early German 14 carat gold Glashütte gentleman’s pocket watch made by A. Lange & Söhne, circa 1881. This timepiece was uniquely converted into a lavishly decorated presentation watch studded with half pearls and rubies, the back crafted from a gold commemorative medal of the electorate of Brandenburg by medalists Loos on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Prince Frederick Charles Alexander of Prussia.
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The case back shows a profile portrait of the prince and reads the inscription Carl Prinz Von Preussen Geb. Den 29. Juni 1801 (Charles Prince of Prussia Born 29th June 1801 in English), the inside with an eagle above the Cross of the Order of the Black Eagle between a laurel and an oak branch, dated 29. Juni 1881. Both bezels set with half pearls, a very finely engraved band studded with rubies and pearls and the winding crown in the form of a three dimensional emperor’s crown. White enamel dial with blue Arabic hours, an outer minute track, outermost red Arabic five minute numerals, auxiliary seconds at 6 o’clock and gold Louis XV hands.  Frosted gilt ¾ plate movement fitted with a lever escapement, gold screw compensation balance, and gold lever and escape wheel.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 134 g
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Signed: Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation Glashütte
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Prince Frederick Charles Alexander of Prussia (1801-1883)
Prince Frederick Charles Alexander of Prussia was the third son of King Frederick William III of Prussia and Queen Louise. His two older brothers were crown prince Frederick Wilhelm and Wilhelm I, who would later become German Emperor.
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Charles entered the Prussian army at the age of 10. In 1820, he became a major in the First Regiment of Foot Guards. 10 Years later as a General he took over the command of 2nd Guards Division. Many further promotions followed, until he became General Feldzeugmeister and chief of the artillery in 1854. As chief of the artillery, Charles replaced the smooth gun barrels with rifled ones, thereby greatly improving the precision of the ordnance.
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Throughout his life Charles remained very close to his favourite sister Charlotte. Since she married to Tsar Nicholas I, Charles often travelled to Russia. In the revolutionary years of 1848 and 1849 Charles remained in Berlin. The premises of his city palace were made freely available to the citizenry and town hall meetings were held. Charles also regularly attended the sessions of the State Council. He died on January 21st, 1883 in Berlin.
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Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation, often abbreviated as DUF, is a historical brand and quality designation for pocket watches, introduced in 1878 by the renowned manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne in Glashütte. The brand was founded to offer sturdier, more affordable pocket watches that nevertheless met the high quality standards of Glashütte.