DESCRIPTION: Presentation pocket watch. Open face, key wind, swing out movement. Porcelain single sunk dial with subsidiary seconds and marked "Bennett 65 Cheapside London". Serial #39923. Dust cover marked "Maker to the Royal Observatory 65 Cheapside London". Marked 18K yellow gold case inscribed inside back cover "Presented to Serg. La. Wardle 11th B.R. Arty. by the inhabitants of his native village on his return from the Crimean War Langley Nr. MacChestfield May 29, 1856". Sir John Bennet was a major clock and watch maker in London. He was born in 1814 and was to become a pastor but upon the death of his father in 1830, he entered the family watch and clock business. He was one of a few British watchmakers who saw the need for modernization of manufacturing, advocating Swiss production, and of methods of business, employing large amounts of advertising and the use of political influences. He left the business in 1889 and the shop was put up for sale in the 1920's. The shop front was purchased by the Henry Ford Museum where it still remains. MEASUREMENTS: 1-7/8" diameter. Weight of case with movement 65.9 dwt (102.4 gr). CONDITION: Running. Single faint hairline to subsidiary seconds dial and below words.