April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2021
Order of the Golden Grain Second Class Medal and gold pocket watch presented to Captain Charles H. Palmer, captain of the composite gunboat Peng Chao Hai. The Peng Chao Hai was launched in 1869 as a composite gunboat and would eventually be used as a customs boat. The ship was crewed by ten British sailors and was commanded by Captain Charles H. Palmer of the Royal Navy Reserve. The lot includes an Order of the Golden Grain Second Class Medal and a half hunter gold watch that was presented to Captain Palmer by H.E. Wan, the Superintendent of Customs in Canton, China on June 24th 1873. These medals were awarded for outstanding civil or military achievement and were issued by President Yuan Shi-kai. CONDITION: The medal is missing its ribbon. There are slight cracks and scratches but the medal is well preserved as there appears to be minimal enamel loss. Overall good. The watch is ornate and features several attractive features. The bezel exhibits the engraved Palmer family crest. The back of the watch has a beautiful presentation to Palmer which was transcribed on a small piece of paper that is displayed with the watch in the case. 18k yellow gold 49mm demi-hunter cased pocket watch. Stem wound, lever-set movement no. 6165. Watch is double signed for "Geo. Falconer, Hong Kong" on the dial and movement. Cuvette is adorned with a beautifully hand engraved presentation dated 1873. Case is fully hallmarked and dated: Leopard's head (London) q (1871 date code) 18 & Crown (18k gold assay/standard). White enamel single-sunken dial with black Roman numeral hours, Arabic seconds sub-dial, and blued steel spade hands. Blue enameled Roman numeral hour register on demi lid is near mint. Gross weight 112.2 grams. CONDITION: Excellent overall condition with no damage to case or hairlines to dial. The watch is currently running. The pin-set function and hands have also been tested, and are in proper working order. The palmer family crest and presentation engraving remain crisp. This is a wonderful medal and watch identified to a Royal Navy Captain. JLD/RC
Item Dimensions: 12" x 10"