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AEDHenry H. Ellis’s 18K E. Howard & Co. Presentation Pocket Watch with Chain, Dated 1877
Lot 66
About Seller
Witherell Auctions
PO Box 98
Minden, NV 89423
United States
Witherell’s auction house is a family business rooted in a passion for fine art and antiques, based in Sacramento, a region known for its history and its important 20th century art scene. It all started when Brad Witherell was gifted a Civil War-era Henry rifle from his uncle as a teen, spurring his...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$5,000 - $10,000
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About Auction
Live
By Witherell Auctions
Jan 29, 2026
Set Reminder
2026-01-29 14:00:00
2026-01-29 14:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : LUXURY ASSET AUCTION: Featuring Choice Property from the Collection of Al and Carol Cali
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/witherells/luxury-asset-auction-featuring-choice-property-from-the-collection-of-al-and-carol-cali-23722
Witherell Auctions Brian@witherell.com
Witherell Auctions Brian@witherell.com
View Full Catalog (310)
- Lot Description
An important American 18K gold E. Howard & Co. Boston presentation pocket watch, given to Henry H. Ellis, Chief of Police, San Francisco, who served from 1875 to 1877 during a period of rapid urban expansion and modernization of the city’s law enforcement. The inner cuvette is finely engraved: “Semper Paratus / to / H. H. Ellis / Chief of Police / San Francisco / from / friends on the police force / Dec. 4th 1877.” The presentation date corresponds with the conclusion of Ellis’s tenure as Chief, and the fact that the watch was a gift from members of the force stands as a testament to his leadership and the respect he commanded within the department. The watch houses an E. Howard & Co. Series V movement, serial no. 56048, manufactured in Roxbury, Massachusetts, between December 1876 and January 1878. The size L, 15-jewel movement is pendant-set, hunting configuration, and adjusted, with nickel finish, ¾ plate, and patent regulator—hallmarks of Howard’s finest late 19th-century production. The white enamel dial, with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, is signed E. Howard & Co. Boston / Pat. Feb. 4th 1868. The heavy 18K gold box-hinge case bears engraved nautical and shield motifs with the motto Semper Paratus (“Always Ready”), a fitting emblem of civic duty and vigilance. Accompanied by a 12–14K gold chain with anchor-form fob and miniature compass attachment, both of the period and likely original to the presentation. Such watches were often commissioned by fellow officers to honor distinguished public service, and few survive with such direct provenance and preserved engraving detail. Gross weight (watch): 134.9 grams Gross weight (chain and compass): 53.9 grams Dimensions: Dial 41 mm Provenance: Henry H. Ellis Archive; Al and Carol Cali Collection. Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $50 plus 1.5% insurance. Combined lot shipping available.Watch winds, sets, and runs at time of cataloguing; hairline crack to enamel dial; light wear and surface scratches to case commensurate with age; chain and fob excellent.
Condition
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