Engine turning was a popular way of decorating metal items during the Art Deco era. It was particularly used on watch faces as well as cigarette cases. Both silver and gold were popular metals where engine turning was used and could be left as bare metal or enameled. Enameled engine turned items are highly collectible.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco engine turned items including a rare silver partner’s desk timepiece and a set of engraved cufflinks.
A RARE SILVER ART DECO DOUBLE DIALED PARTNER’S DESK TIMEPIECE, CARTIER, CIRCA 1925 platform lever escapement, silvered dials with engine-turned center and polished chapter ring, one with roman numerals, the reverse with applied baton and disc numerals, the ridged drum-form case mounted on a stepped ridged rectangular base, all upon a black wood base, dials signed.
Sold for 54,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2005
AN ART DECO DIAMOND-SET GOLD PILL BOX circa 1940, stamped ‘750’ and ‘S’ Rectangular with canted corners, with engine-turned linear engraving, black enamel panels and diamond-set plaques, length 3.4cm, weight total 29gms.
Sold for £ 828 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
AN ENGINE-TURNED SILVER CIGARETTE BOX BIRMINGHAM, 1935, on bracket feet, length 7 1/8 in.(18.1 cm.)
Sold for GBP 360 at Christie’s in 2005
English Art Deco Sterling Silver and Yellow Guilloche Enameled Folding Travel Clock Birmingham, circa 1929 Of square form, with circular dial, engine turned case. 1 3/4 inches square.
Sold for $540 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2006
Art Deco 14K white gold and diamond engine-turned engraved cufflinks, comprised of two old European-cut diamonds, approx: 0.10 ct tw., marked: “PLON14K.” 0.75″ L x 0.562″ W. Approx: 3.0 dwt inclusive.
Sold for $300 at Auctions at Showplace in 2020
A George VI Art Deco 9 carat gold lighter, London 1949 by S. J. Rose Of rectangular form, with engine turned decoration. Hinged lighter cap. Fully marked to edge and stamped ROSE. Length approximately 5 cm / 1.95 inches Gross weight approximately 58 grams / 1.86 ozt
Sold for £1,600 at Chiswick Auctions in 2020
