Dickens’ antique watch to auction, unexpected value

Charles Dickens, the great British literary giant known for producing many literary masterpieces such as “Oliver Twist,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “Great Expectations,” has left a long-lasting legacy despite the 19th century, his era of life and activity, being far removed from the present. Many households might still possess his literary works, and recently, there’s an opportunity to further extend your collection of Dickens-related memorabilia by bidding for his antique pocket watch that he once used!

At a recent antique auction held by Stride & Son in the UK, among the 496 lots that included books, documents, photographs, and various rare antiques, an antique pocket watch and a small writing desk Dickens gifted to his daughter were put up for sale. Both items, relics from the 19th century, carry historical value magnified by their original owner’s famed reputation, making their collectible value quite significant.

Stride & Son revealed that the William IV gold-plated pocket watch, estimated to have been made in 1836 when Dickens was the editor of “Bentley’s Miscellany,” was a gift from the publisher on his first anniversary in the role. The back of the watch is engraved with “Dearest ‘Boz’ Editor Bentleys Miscellany Dec. 1836” and his initials “CD.” The movement of the watch is believed to have been crafted by William Tyas, a renowned watchmaker of the 19th century.

Barnaby Chiari, a book history expert at Stride & Son, stated, “Considering Dickens’ memorabilia, the significance of this pocket watch is unparalleled. It serves as an important relic of the author’s early literary career and is a unique item refined over time and irreplaceable.” In addition to the watch, the other lot, the small writing desk made in 1859 primarily from walnut wood and gilded brass, has a brass cross inscribed with “Happy Birthday Little ‘Lucifer Box.'” and a circular plaque underneath the lid engraved with “Catherine Elizabeth Dickens,” his youngest and reportedly most beloved daughter. Dickens had the desk specially made for Catherine’s 20th birthday.

These items, akin to national historical artifacts, were expected to have astonishing estimated values, but the actual figures were surprisingly reasonable. Dickens’ pocket watch was estimated at £2,000 to £4,000 (approximately NT$80,000 to NT$160,000), and the well-preserved writing desk was more modestly priced at £400 to £600 (approximately NT$16,000 to NT$24,000). With the auction drawing close, if the final sale prices are around the estimates, acquiring the great author’s personal collection seems quite a bargain. However, if interest from collectors exceeds expectations and the bidding process becomes intense, it will be interesting to see the “epic” prices that Dickens’ pocket watch and the desk he gifted to his daughter might fetch.