WATCH, Gold (Bussell) in Case

a. A ladies' gold fob watch with Roman numerals on face and an elegant floral design at its centre. The reverse outer case is densely patterned with a leaf motif and has the initials "G. V. B." at its centre. Inside, the back of the watch is inscribed "PRESENTED / BY THE / BRITISH GOVERNMENT, / TO / MISS GRACE BUSSELL, / IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HER GREAT / GALLANTRY IN SAVING THE LIVES / OF SOME OF THE PASSENGERS OF THE / S.S."GEORGETTE", STRANDED / TO THE SOUTH OF / CAPE NATURALISTE, / WESTERN AUSTRALIA ON / THE 1ST. DEC. 1876". The inner case bears the marks of various watch repairers. It is also stamped "HW" with four small frames each marked, one with a crown, another "T", one "18" and the last with what appears to be a leopard's head. The working mechanism case is marked "BROCKBANK & ATKINS / LONDON / 11064". A gauge above the mechanism is marked "S...F" (the centre marking is obstructed by the gauge needle). Blue metal screws have been used here. The upper lid of the mechanism case is stamped "HW / 11064" and has an "18" carat mark and crown.
The crown with the 18 indicates the item is 18 carat gold, the leopard's head indicates the gold was assayed in London. The small letter 't' indicates a hallmark date of 1874 which fits with the known manufacture of the object prior to 1877. (To open front glass press lever at front top right, to open back of watch case press lever at top back of watch.) The W.A.M accession number has been recorded inside the mechanism case. The watch has a separate brass winder marked "3".
b. Blue, velvet lined case with a lined, circular band of metal to secure the watch in the case.

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History Collection

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