Code: 5.13
I am often asked for the history associated with a pocket watch and for most of the time I simply cannot provide any. With this watch not only can I provide the history of the watch but that of the owner and backed up by full details of the owner’s life – see below.
Movement – this is one of the higher grades of a Longines movement – the gilt 3 finger bridge movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator and is jewelled to the centre. The movement is signed “Longines” # 3665346 and 19.71 under the balance. The movement is in 90% mint condition – some small scratches
Case – the movement comes in an 18K gold open face case, which has a hinged inner back and bezel. The case is not stamped 18K but has a French eagle touche mark on the inner covers. The inner cover is signed “Longines. La Cie Sud-Atlantique, En Souvenir de “L’Atlantique’ 4 Janvier 1933, A Mr Le Cap E.V. Wahlstrand, Cdt le s/s Ford Castle”.
The case has a smooth plain finish and is in 90% mint condition – light scratches on the back and a few soft shallow bruises
Dial – the white enamel dial comes with a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Longines, Prima”. The dial is in 99% mint condition
The watch has a mineral glass
The watch measures 49mm wide x 11mm deep
The watch is stem wound / stem set
This watch was given to Captain Emil Ulrich Wahlstrand of the SS. Ford Castle who on the 4th January 1933 rescued survivors of the French ship L’Antlantique which was in distress and burning mid-channel. At great risk to the crew and boat, the collier SS Wolf Castle came alongside the boat to rescue the survivors and due to this heroic act of heroism, the captain was awarded him the Medaille de Sauvetage and the owners of the L’Atlantique presented him with this watch.
The watch comes with the gilt Medaille de Sauvetage in its original box. There are 5 grades of this medal and this silver gilt / vermeil example is the second highest grade; awarded for the most intrepid acts of heroism.
Along with this medal comes the following life articles of the history of Captain Wahlstrand.
A British war medal and mercantile marine medal for war service 1914-1918 plus associated ribbons. The latter still in their respective manilla envelopes with instructions on how to wear the ribbons. Plus the certificate of authority to wear the war medals.
There are also, the birth certificate, birth registar, marriage and death certificates for Captain Wahlstrand, alongside a typed family tree
In a metal certificate box there is Captain Wahlstrand’s Certificate of Competency for Foreign going steamships. This has been issued on vellum or parchment on the 23 July 2921.
A reference letter from the Tanfields Steamship Company on the 17th March 1933, after the s/s Ford Castle was sold.
A paper with codewords for wireless signals.
Numerous papers and paper clippings documenting the rescue of the “’Atlantique”
Plus a photo of the s/s Wolf Castle and Captain Wahlstrand.
