A pocket watch believed to have been used during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, one of the most important naval battles in history, has been discovered.
The secrets of the 235-year-old silver watch – described as an astonishing historical find – were revealed after it was taken for valuation at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire saleroom.
Matt Crowson, Hansons’ militaria expert, said: “Hallmarked for London in 1788 and adorned with a chain and fob seal, this watch would have graced the pocket of a well-to-do gentleman in the late 18th century. However, beneath layers of 19th-century watchmakers’ service papers, a handwritten note from 1897 emerged.
“The note, penned by its late 19th-century owner, James H Waters, revealed the watch had belonged to his great grandfather, Captain Charles Bennett. Most notably, the note informed us that Charles Bennett had served on ‘the Tonnant at Trafalgar.’
“The note also mentioned a seal which is attached to the watch chain. It was given to Bennett by a French officer serving on a ship called Algésiras. Bennett and members of his crew seized Algésiras during the Battle of Trafalgar. That makes it highly probable Bennett carried this watch with him through the battle.
“According to historical accounts, HMS Tonnant, originally a French naval vessel known as Le Tonnant until captured by the Royal Navy at the Battle of the Nile in 1798, played a crucial role at Trafalgar.
“During the battle, HMS Tonnant engaged in fierce combat with French 74-gun flagship Algésiras. After a collision between the vessels, the French attempted to board the Tonnant but they were repelled by British firepower. Rear Admiral Magon, the French vessel’s commander, was killed during this intense engagement.
“With the British gaining the upper hand, Lieutenant Charles Bennett led a boarding party of 50 men from the Tonnant, seizing control of the Algésiras. They took 270 French officers and men as prisoners below deck. However, with the Algésiras severely damaged and drifting away from the British fleet, the British sailors found themselves in a perilous situation.
“Realising they lacked the manpower to both guard the numerous French prisoners and repair the masts, Lt Bennett made a difficult decision. He ordered the hatches to be opened, releasing the French prisoners. The French quickly overpowered the British sailors and regained control of the vessel.
“Lt Bennett faced a stark choice – resist the French’s claim on the ship, likely resulting in his men’s demise, or co-operate and help save the vessel, sparing their lives. Bennett chose the latter option, working alongside the French to reassemble three of the masts. This allowed the ship to sail to Cadiz.
“While official records confirm Bennett as the 3rd Officer on HMS Tonnant during Trafalgar, the handwritten note referred to him as ‘Captain,’ suggesting a promotion that likely occurred post-Trafalgar.
“This is an astonishing and thrilling historical discovery, a tangible connection to one of the most pivotal naval battles in history. And yet the watch had been tucked away in a Midlands home for decades. It came to us for valuation from a Nottinghamshire collector who bought it about 20 years ago.”
The George III silver pair case pocket watch, marked Geo Edmonds London 1788, is being sold together with a handwritten note,‘This watch belonged to my Gt Grandfather, Capt. Charles Bennett who was on the Tonnant at Trafalgar; gilt metal fob chain and ley and agate gold set seal bearing the words ‘Si Tu Ne Changes Je Ne Tourne’ (If you do not change I will turn) with wax seal print and wooden case, estimate £400-£500.
The Pocket watch ‘used by naval officer at ‘Battle of Trafalgar’, lot 122 is being offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ October 6 Fine Art Auction.
To find out more, email: [email protected] or Helen Smith: [email protected]
