"Libbie" Custer: Engraved Watch Presented to Custer's Beloved Widow by the Veterans of the 7th Cavalry. A 14K gold-filled lady's pocket watch, affectionately inscribed "Libbie" on one side, and "1876 - 1901 'Lest we forget' " on the other. Contained in the original fine maple presentation box, with inset pewter shield inscribed "U.S. 7 Rgt." in center of top of the hinged lid. According to a notarized affidavit which accompanies this piece, the watch had been left by Libbie to a nephew in Monroe, Michigan, and was subsequently sold at an estate auction. While this statement is the only documentation of the provenance, Heritage jewelry and timepiece experts feel that the engraving is original, and that 1901 would be a correct date of manufacture for this particular model. It has a seven jewel nickel movement in a Courvoisier & Wilcox "O" size hunter's case. White enamel dial, blue spade hands, replaced crystal. Appears to be in working order, but not warranted. Excellent condition, with fine light patina of wear and use. A highly evocative remembrance of one of the most idealized and talked about events in American history, the tragic deaths of Custer and over 200 men of the 7th cavalry at Little Bighorn. Sold with an 1 3/4" Custer portrait celluloid pinback issued for the semi-centennial of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1926. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved