GERMANY. Prussia. 20 Mark Gold Watch Fob, ca. late 19th Century. EXTREMELY FINE.
Weight: 37.40gms. An impressive piece of jewelry inset with three 1888-dated Prussian 20 Mark that represent the three kaisers (Wilhelm, Friedrich, and Wilhelm II) that spent time on the thrown that year. Fancy floral ornamentation surrounds all three coins with some hand engraving that accentuates the detail, and a spring clip that sits at top. Light usage is reflected, but overall the condition is exceptional. Housed in a red velvet-lined wooden box that appears contemporary to the fob. An intriguing item that has an accompanying history that is unusual to say the least. While perhaps apocryphal, this piece was featured in a mid-20th century article in the Milwaukee Sentinel titled Numismatics? It's Pleasant Epidemic, where it details the local folklore that surrounded it. For enjoyment sake, we have transcribed the entirety of the article below: "In 1934 only eight Milwaukeeans were suffering from numismatics. To date no more than 150 have been afflicted. It's practically an epidemic. Money has and is being solicited to alleviate suffering. But don't be alarmed. While numismatics may be regarded by some as a disease, it is merely Mr. Wester's way of defining "coin collecting." I had only a vague understanding of this formidable word until I met Hubert L. Polzer, a Milwaukee jeweler, who makes a hobby of collecting old and interesting coins. He is nationally recognized as an authority on the value of rare coins. When the Sentinel's Problem Clinic is puzzled about coins, Polzer is often quizzed. He knows the answers. His huge collection numbers several thousand items, dating from a Roman coin, 430 B. C., to the 1950 Booker T. Washington memorial half dollar. His smallest coin is Siamese, made from lead bullets. Though only about half the size of an aspirin tablet, it bears the official seal of Siam. His largest piece is a $4 Swedish coin of about 1734. It is solid copper, weighs eight pounds and is 12 inches square. Hanging on the west wall of his store in a gold frame are specimens of "fractional currency" issued by the United States government, 1863 to 1887, because of the shortage of metals. It is similar to our present paper money, but from three to 50 cents in value. It is still legal tender, but a collector will give you more money for it than a bank. Teachers of economics in local schools and colleges frequently borrow from Polzer's collection for classroom study and instruction. *** Born on Walnut St. The Milwaukee Numismatic Society was born in the back room of Polzer's jewelry store at 1132 W. Walnut St. Plozer has been its president and librarian as well as the president of the Central States Society. He has been contributing to the Hand Book and to the Guide Book of United States coins for many years, and all for the love of the hobby. He is properly proud of this privilege and says, "If you know your American coins, then you know most every event in American history." Polzer was born just outside of Vienna, Austria, in 1900, and came to Milwaukee at the age of eight. He showed me his old report card. The marks were "sehr gut." At 13, while learning his trade in a 12th St. jewelry store, he became enamored with the then new buffalo nickel. Cutting out the Indian heads was good practice on the jeweler's saw. With these cut-out heads he made cufflinks and tie pins for the kids of the neighborhood. His interest in coin collecting began. *** A Cherished Treasure We asked Polzer what his most valuable piece was. "Let's not speak of value," he said, "but my most cherished piece in one rich in Milwaukee history." Then he showed me three 20-mark gold pieces struck in 1888. They were hinged together with gold filagree. Each piece bore the likeness of one of the three Kaisers - Kaiser Wilhelm, his father and grandfather. This unusual memorial had been presented by the royal family to a Milwaukeean. In 1921 it was sold at auction at the Auditorium to another Milwaukeean. The proceeds went to help Germany rebuild. Upon the death of the owner Polzer came into possession of it. "Examine the workmanship," said Polzer, handing it to me. "Understand its historical significance. Who can place a value on such a thing?" This collector's treasure will be shown for the first time publicly since the auction, Aug. 24 to 29 at the Schroeder Hotel when the American Numismatic Association holds its annual convention is Milwaukee for the first time. Some 450 to 500 members will be guests of the local chapter."

Estimate: $2000.00- $4000.00