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"From the passengers of President Taft to F. J. Lommers for bravery
Jan. 26 1924 In wreck of the Mary Horlock".
This fabulous gentleman's
solid gold watch is not only stunningly beautiful, it is
built to the highest standards of the day AND it is a genuine piece of
maritime history. We know the cargo vessel 'Mary Horlock' went
down in the Western Pacific on Jan. 26, 1924. Cause given was "shifting
cargo." The Mary Horlock had served during the Great War under the name
'War Horse II' and was of either U.S. or British registry. We
know the Steamship 'President Taft' was of the President Line and was
out of San Francisco, and that she was cruising in the Western Pacific
during January of 1924. How she came to be at the sinking of the Mary Horlock, who F.J. Lommers was, or what act of bravery he did that
inspired the on-looking passengers of a Steamship Liner to chip in and
have a really first class custom gold watch engraved in his honor, we do not
know. But the log of the President Taft is in the archives in San
Francisco and the story is surely recorded there, and a story likely
appeared in the newspapers of the day as well. San Francisco also has a
superb maritime museum and historical society. A couple of days holiday
in San Francisco should be enough to track down the story and maybe even
photographs. This documentation would dramatically increase the
watch's value as well.
The watch is cased in a solid 14 karat gold wire lug hinged back cut corner case
that is in mint condition with no scratches or damage
anywhere. 24mm X 39mm. The stunning gold dial has a sunken oval center
surrounded by black minutes register and fabulous exploding Arabic
numerals. The dial is all original, pristine and just beautiful.
Original blued steel hands are clean with no oxidation. Inside beats a
superb, highest quality 21 Jewel Bulova 8AC movement that is freshly
serviced and keeping excellent time. Original 14k gold crown. Crystal is
clean and clear. All original, all authentic
and in mint condition. Fitted with a new high quality
black leather strap and specially gift boxed. |
