Waltham. A gold open-faced keyless watch, Presented to Sgt. H.E. Holmes D.C.M from the Offic...

Waltham. A gold open-faced keyless watch, Presented to Sgt. H.E. Holmes D.C.M from the Officials & workmen of the New Monckton Colleries, 1917. Movement: lever escapement, 17 jewels, no. 18076794. Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds. Case: 9ct gold, gold cuvette with inscription, monogram to the rear cover, engraved floral motif to bezel, Chester hallmark for 1917, maker’s mark BB. Signed: movement. Dimensions: diameter 49.5mm. £300-£500 --- Sir Horace Holmes had a distinguished career as a former Labour M.P for Hemswoth in the West Ridings of Yorkshire, he also served on many other political and educational bodies in Royston. In 1966 he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. In World War I he attained the rank of Sergeant with the West Yorkshires of Royston and in 1918 he won the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Condition Report Movement: running at the time of cataloguing. Dial: Text to dial very rubbed, ‘Maker to the Admiralty’ rest unreadable. Otherwise in good condition. Case: scuffs throughout, slight dents to back and band. Inscription to cuvette, ‘To SGT H.E. Holmes D.C.M. from the Officials & Workmen of the New Monckon Collieries as a memento of his action at Cambria Nov 20. 1917. Gross weight: 85.3gms. Please note that the above condition report is a statement of opinion only and may not specify all mechanical replacements or imperfections. Watches are opened to examine the movements, no warranties are made that the watches are water-resistant. The watch has not been tested for the accuracy of its time keeping and would benefit from a service at the buyer’s expense.