We’ve covered the auctions of couple of timepieces with literary ownership before, and it’s time for another one, with familial provenance.

A gold pocket watch dating from 1836 that was once owned by Charles Dickens is coming up for auction. Given to Dickens on the first anniversary of his editorship of the magazine Bentleys Miscellany it is one of two items belonging to him that have been put up for sale.

The pocket watch is 45mm with an engine-turned dial and its fusée movement is signed ‘William Tyas London, No. 12067. The case back is engraved ‘Dearest Boz editor Bentleys Miscellany Dec 1836’ and the initials ‘C D’.

The desk set consists of two items in walnut and brass. It is from 1859 and engraved with ‘Happy Birthday Little Lucifer Box’ with a plaque to Catherine Elizabeth Dickens, the author’s daughter.

The watch has an auction estimate of £2,000 – £4,000 and the desk set, £400 – £600.

Both items go up for auction in Chichester on Wednesday March 6, 2024. You can bid on the watch at this link and for the writing slope and stationery set here.

[Photo credit: Stride & Son]

Categories: Auctions, English watchmaking, pocket watches, Vintage watches