Exceptionally fine and rare 18k gold pocket watch by E.J. Dent, renowned London watchmaker to the Queen. Inscribed in ornate engraving with "From his father, June 20, 1888." On the inside, the original owner's name is engraved: "J.C. Graham, Selma, Ala." As far as we could find, there were two men named John C. Graham who lived in Selma. Both were former Confederate officers during the Civil War. The likely owner of this watch was the John C. Graham who later became a well-to-do cotton broker. (Dent's accomplishments can scarcely be overstated -- they include the construction of arguably one of the most famous timepieces on earth: Big Ben.) Measures about 2" diameter. Total weight 124.8 grams.