Walter Johnson's personally owned pocket watch w/provenance

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

I have decided to sell the last significant piece of my collection. It is a pocket watch personally owned by "The Big Train" Walter Johnson with excellent provenance. The watch is not currently in working order but could be repaired by a watchmaker. On the back is engraved:

Maryland Fox Hunters
Association
1929 Field Trials
First Award-All Age Stake
Won By
Rock-Walter Johnson
Owner

(Rock was the name of the dog that won this particular competition. You can read about Johnson's love for hunting with his prized dogs following his playing career in his biography Walter Johnson-Baseball's Big Train by Henry W. Thomas. If you own it, please read p.329 to corroborate)
I obtained it in 2006 from a man in Kentucky whose father was a personal friend of Johnson. The watch is accompanied by a signed letter from this man explaining the history of the watch. I'll be glad to provide the details for anyone interested. A one of a kind piece personally owned by the greatest pitcher of all time.
Price is $650 shipped/insured

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

A one of a kind piece I would like to go to a good, appreciative home.

[Archive]

Posted By: DD

I wish I could buy it. Walter Johnson is the great grandfather of my best friend's son. And there is a clear family resemblence.

[Archive]

Posted By: Tim

Email me about this piece if it's still available please.

abravefan@msn.com

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

I'm sure most are saving for upcoming auctions but I'd love to find a home for this piece. It's not a pocket watch you would likely use as it needs work(a new crystal, hands, and a good cleaning). But it sits in an attractive little glass and wood diplay case with transparent back so the inscription is readable. I had a nice $30,000+ collection once and this piece would attract more attention than any card I ever had. A PERSONAL ARTIFACT FROM WALTER JOHNSON-and it comes with a signed letter of provenance which explains its story. If you are only interested in objects that you can look up values for in a price guide, I guess this is not for you. But if you love the idea of looking up at the same time piece The Big Train once looked at...shoot me an e-mail and I'll send photos. Thanks.

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

This is still available-I think its a great deal on a unique piece with great provenance.

[Archive]

Posted By: Donald Miller

Javasn,

email sent

Don Miller rellim@abe.midco.net

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

This is a cool piece but everyone who has emailed me seems to be expecting a beautiful and functional watch. It needs significant work and is not currently running but it is encased in a nice display case and has great provenance tracing it back to The Big Train. ONE OF A KIND. GREAT DISPLAY PIECE.

[Archive]

Posted By: Eric

How about posting a picture of it?

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

[Archive]

Posted By: javan brigham

I have reduced this again to $650 shipped/insured. I was able to contact Walter Johnson's grandson, Henry Thomas, who wrote the Johnson biography. He was able to confirm details in the letter of provenance that I have. He said that he owns many trophies and awards won by Johnson's prize-winning dogs. This is a great chance to own something personally owned by Johnson.