On March 6th, 2024, history aficionados and literary enthusiasts alike will witness a momentous event as Charles Dickens's iconic pocket watch, a cherished relic from the Victorian era, goes under the hammer as Lot 63 at Stride & Son Auctioneers and Valuers in the UK.
This remarkable timepiece, dating back to 1836, holds within its gilded metal casing not just the essence of time, but also a profound connection to one of the greatest literary minds of all time.
Gifted to Dickens on the first anniversary of his editorship of Bentleys Miscellany magazine, the pocket watch stands as a testament to his early literary endeavors and the tumultuous relationships that often accompanied them. Bentley began the magazine in 1836 and invited Charles Dickens to be its first editor, through which Dickens serialised his second novel Oliver Twist. Dickens soon fell out with Bentley over editorial control and resigned in 1893, calling Bentley a "Burlington Street Brigand".
The exquisite craftsmanship of the watch, with its 45mm diameter engine turned dial and intricate fusee movement signed by the esteemed 19th-century watchmaker William Tyas, speaks volumes about the importance attributed to this timepiece.
However, what truly sets this pocket watch apart is the delicately engraved message adorning its reverse side. Etched with the words "Dearest 'Boz' Editor Bentleys Miscellany Dec. 1836" alongside the initials "CD," the watch encapsulates a moment of gratitude and camaraderie shared between Dickens and his literary circle. "Boz," a pseudonym adopted by Dickens in his early career, adds an intimate touch to this already poignant inscription, offering a glimpse into the author's personal and professional life.
The significance of this engraving extends beyond mere aesthetics; it serves as a tangible link to Dickens's editorial journey and the creative forces that shaped his literary legacy. As Dickens navigated the complexities of his role as editor and the challenges posed by his relationship with publisher Richard Bentley, this pocket watch remained a steadfast companion, silently bearing witness to the trials and triumphs of the Victorian literary scene.
Moreover, the provenance of the watch adds another layer of intrigue to its narrative. Believed to have originated from a deceased estate in the Portsmouth area, with potential ties to Dickens's youngest daughter - Catherine Dickens (nicknamed Kate), the watch carries with it a sense of familial heritage and historical continuity. Its journey from the intimate confines of Dickens's personal collection to the grandeur of the auction house underscores its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
As Barnaby Chiari of Stride & Son aptly puts it, this pocket watch is "unprecedented in terms of historical Dickens memorabilia," representing not only a relic of the author's early career but also a unique artifact with no parallel in literary history. With its engraved message serving as a poignant reminder of Dickens's literary legacy, this timepiece transcends its material form, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of the most beloved figures in English literature.
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