Information help needed about antique watch fob

[serdar]

Hi, this is an antique watch fob which is made on 1900 at Birmingham by Williams James Dingley. This is all we know. It has been held in our family since more than 50 years from my grandfather. There is a serial number on it. But we would like to learn the story of this watch fob. Unfortunately it is not opening. Just like for who is it made for, etc. Is it possible? I searched internet for it but i couldn't find any certain information.

I will be appreciated with any help! Thank you!

The images show the actual size to compare with a standart lighter:

http://i.imgur.com/sf78MzY.jpg





http://i.imgur.com/4F493ab.jpg

[Scribble1952]

Have you taken it to a jewellers to be opened.

[youngtug]

Are you sure it is supposed to open.

[wivenhoe]

"..made on 1900 at Birmingham by Williams James Dingley.."

Where do you see this information?  How do you know that it is a fob watch?

The chain looks to be newer than the piece.    A straight piece of chain would be used for a fob watch, with one end fixed to the watch, and the other end having a straight piece, rather like cuff link, to connect to a button hole.

The watch would be removed from the pocket and held in the hand to be seen. This item looks to be too elaborate in shape to be intended for holding in the hand.

If it has a watch face behind the cover, it would be very small.....too small to see easily, and too small proportional to the size of the piece.

I would hesitate to say it is a fob watch..........and I know nothing about watches, offering some thoughts to work with.
 

[wivenhoe]

".. Unfortunately it is not opening" 

How are you trying to open it.......you can see a hinge on the rim?

[bullet]

It's a fob medal......https://in.pinterest.com/pin/528469337506156447/


There's a few on ebay .....http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=william+james+dingley

I don't know the history of them though.     I don't think the silver piece in the medal is meant to open.

I bit of history here....they were meant to hang off a fob watch chain and were awards for achievements.    http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/oukEQKTgSWi0bTETh58nbg 

Found some good examples here......https://au.pinterest.com/grahamwildman/fob-medals/

[Jebber]

I know of an instance where the fob and medal were separated on the death of the owner, the watch going to the son and the medal to the daughter, who wore it as a pendant.

So many things are divided up after a death, you only have to watch some of the antique programs to know how frequently it happens.

Something similar may have happened in this case, perhaps another member of the family has the watch.

[stanmapstone]

393713 is a Registered Design Number see http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C12595624 and
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/registered-designs-1839-1991/

Stan