Accession Number

2022.001.001.001

Description

One gold-cased pocket watch. On the back of the case are the engraved initials "GMA" (for Guy Mortimore Audain) in large fancy scrolled script. There is no fob or chain. Printed on the white enamel dial face is the retailer's mark, "C & M Victoria" (for Challoner and Mitchell). The principal and secondary numbers are in the Hindu-Arabic form. There is a secondary set of numbers within the main ring of numbers which can be used to read the time in 24-hour format, i.e., 10:00 pm is equivalent to 22:00 hrs. There is a small second-hand dial at the centre bottom. Inside the hinged back cover are numerous stamped and engraved markings. Stamped on the works are the following: "17 jewels"; "WARRANTED US ASSAY 14524"; "TROREY". There are nine distinct repair marks. Inside the inner cover are more stamped and engraved markings. They are: "ADJUSTED TO TEMPERATURE 17 JEWELS", "14524". There is one repairer's mark.

Narrative

This gold pocket watch is a fine example of the work of Vancouver jeweler and watch-maker George E. Trorey. The watch's markings indicate that it was retailed by Victoria jewelers Challoner & Mitchell.  This is the same firm that displayed Mrs. Joan Olive Dunsmuir's 103-piece silverware set in the days preceding the great 1909 auction of Craigdarroch's furnishings and decorative arts. 

History of Use

This pocket watch was acquired by Guy Mortimore Audain probably sometime between 1895 and 1900, and was used by him first in India where he was a Major serving in the British Indian Army, and, starting in 1906, in British Columbia when he was Aide-De-Camp to his father-in-law, Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir. After Mr. Dunsmuir's death, Mr. Audain continued using the watch in Victoria, and later in Europe while serving as Colonel in the British Army during World War I and for some years thereafter, and still later, in Hollywood, California, where he died in 1940.

The watch was then inherited by his son, James Guy Payne Audain, and following his death, by his son, the donor of the watch, Michael James Audain, a great great grandson of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir.

Date

circa 1895 – 1900

Dimensions

6.8 x 5.3 cm
1.2 cm thick

Material

Metal, gold

Serial Number

180532

Country of Origin

United States of America and Canada