Original Fine English Pocket Watch in Hallmarked Silver Case Presented to Capt. R. J. Strachan, Royal Navy – Circa 1800 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very high end English Silver Cased pocket watch, made circa 1780 belonging to Captain R. J. Strachan of the Royal Navy. It comes complete with the correct Number 6 winding key, which definitely looks to be period.

The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals. The interior movement is spectacular, being gilt and very heavily engraved, with what looks to be a magnificently perforated flywheel cover. There are markings on the top indicating the maker and serial number:

No. 3880
B Clowes Liverpool

Regrettably the crystal for the face is absent, but can easily be replaced by any watch maker or repairman. There are hallmarks on the inside of the case: a “Lion”, an “Anchor”, and a “C” in a shield with a pointed bottom. These are the hallmarks of Birmingham, England, and indicate the year 1775, right in the period.

The rear of the silver casing is engraved:-

Capt. R. J. Strachan
from your brother Officers
as a token of esteem.
Nov. 8th. 1800.

Strachan had a sparkling naval career fully described on “Wikipedia” online, very easy to access. He joined the royal navy in 1772 as a midshipman aboard H.M.S. Intrepid, then aged 12 years old. In 1777 he succeeded his uncle and became the 6th baronet and Clan Chief of Clan Strachan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1779 aboard H.M.S. Hero and shortly after given his first command in 1783, the H.M.S. Lizard, when he was 22 years old.

He continued to have a distinguished career, and in late 1805 on H.M.S. Caesar, Strachan captured four French Man-o-war’s that escaped Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, at the Battle of Cape Ortegal on November 4th 1805. He remained in the service gaining promotion after promotion until his death in February 1828, at the rank of Admiral. He died without any male issue, after which the Baronetcy ended.

An important timepiece from the Napoleonic wars that still works most of the time, using its key to wind, which is included.