On the face of it, political lunatics and horologists don’t have much in common. But a watch coming up for auction later this month could change that.
A pocket watch gifted to Winston Churchill in 1905 could fetch more than $37,000 when it goes under the hammer at Dawsons Auctioneers in the UK on May 23. Became the country’s first liberal Prime Minister. It was a mark of admiration for Churchill, then a Conservative, who crossed the aisle to support the Liberals.
Close-up of the clock face
Dawson Auctioneers
“There are few moments in life when you feel truly connected to history and to have had the opportunity to delve into Sir Winston Churchill’s past has been a privilege, both politically and personally,” Edward Langmead, Dowson’s watch specialist, said in a statement. . “Having a minute repeating pocket watch with Sir Winston Churchill’s armorial bearings, believed to be a gift from another former Prime Minister H. H Asquith in 1905, is nothing short of surreal.”
The timepiece is known as the “perfect hunter” pocket watch, which derives its name from fox hunters who found it useful to be able to open their watch with one hand while holding the reins of their horse (or hunter) with the other. found Sometimes these cases with hinged covers are called “hunter cases”, even on modern wristwatches. The 18 carat gold case cover is engraved with Churchill’s coat of arms on the front, while the interior is inscribed “To Winston with gratitude HH Asquith Xmas 1905”. Other specs include a keyless wound movement, a minute repeater complication, a white enamel dial, and whip hands with a gold central speed and blue seconds hand at 6 o’clock subdial.
Inscribed message to Churchill
Dawson Auctioneers
Estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 ($24,992 to $37,488 at current exchange rates), the pocket watch was originally purchased by Asquith from renowned watchmaker Sir John Bennett. While it was given to Churchill, it eventually came into the ownership of the Cole family: Nancy Henderson Cole, Countess of Enniskillen, gifted it to her husband David Cole, Earl of Enniskillen, on his 65th birthday.Th birthday. It has since been passed down to its current owner by the Cole family, who have decided to put the timepiece up for auction.
A nod to Churchill’s significant political contributions, the pocket watch is a rare opportunity to own a small piece of British history.
Credit : robbreport.com