Lot 171
ROLEX - a 9ct yellow gold Oyster Perpetual wrist watch, 30mm, together with war time memorabilia.
Description
Condition Report
ROLEX - an Oyster Perpetual wrist watch. 9ct yellow gold case with engraved case back. Case width 30mm. Numbered 2595. Signed manual wind calibre 710. Black dial with baton and quarterly Roman numeral hour markers. Fitted to an unsigned black leather strap with gold plated pin buckle. Together with associated war time memorabilia.
This rare Rolex watch belonged to a British Army lieutenant Charles Maurice Anthony (Tony) Whitaker, of the Worcestershire Regiment.
He was captured inland during the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940 whilst holding a bridge for men retreating to the beaches. Tony was missing for a year, presumed dead by his family.
He was actually moved between several prisoner of war camps in Poland and Germany for the next five years - including Stalag Luft III and Oflag VII-B. Whilst held captive at Stalag Luft III, Whitaker made friends with a flight lieutenant, Eric Williams, who penned the book ‘The Wooden Horse’ which is signed and included with this lot.
Stalag Luft III is the same camp featured in the epic 1963 war film ‘The Great Escape’.
It was at Oflag VII-B, a camp for officers in Bavaria, where Tony received the Rolex. Rolex and Hans Wilsdorf sent these watches to officers as a morale boost, who paid for them later on returning to Great Britain. It is believed that British soldiers had to request a watch by letter.
At the closing stages of the war when leaving the camp, Whitaker was injured in a friendly fire incident. He sustained a shrapnel wound in his leg and had to spend months after the war in hospital at the Isle of Wight.
This lot contains a signed copy of ‘The Wooden Horse’ by Eric Williams, a further book listing inmates from Oflag VII-B, a defence medal and two photos of Whitaker, including one with him wearing the Rolex. It is not confirmed whether the defence medal was awarded to Whitaker or another individual.
Please note: When placing absentee bids, your bids will be rounded up to the nearest bid increment. For more information click the 'Important Notices for Purchasers' button above.
Purchasing information- Movement is currently functioning.
- Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible to the naked eye.
- Dial shows marks.
- Hands show marks and tarnishing.
- Glass has scratches and marks.
- Case shows scratches, marks and dints. Case back is engraved.
- Crown screws down and has scratches and marks. Crown shows noticeable loss to the gold plating.
- Strap shows marks and creasing.
- Buckle appears to be in good condition with minor marks and scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe.
This lot comes with war memorabilia relating to the watch. Also comes with an unassociated box in fair condition.
Fellows do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.Due to opening of the case back we recommend this watch is re-sealed by an authorised technician to ensure any stated water resistance is retained.
Please see the Important Notices for Purchasers in our catalogue and online for any additional considerations that may affect this lot.
If you should have further queries regarding this lot, please do not hesitate to contact the Watch Department on 0121 212 5506 or at watches@fellows.co.uk
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