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Auction: 26050 - Jewellery & Objets de Vertu
Lot: 53

J. W. BENSON, AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY GOLD POCKET WATCH DEPICTING THE MAHARAJAH OF KAPURTHALA
CIRCA 1915
The reverse decorated with a finely painted enamel portrait of the Maharajah of Kapurthala, after a photograph by Bourne & Shepherd.
The hinged case features an engine-turned bezel with blue enamel border. The watch houses a Swiss fifteen-jewel movement adjusted to four positions.
Movement numbered 34976; case numbered 21690 and 5412.
Signed 'Benson' on the face
Stamped 18 .75
Size/dimensions: 5.80cm diameter, 4.40cm depth
Gross weight: 49.53g

For a diamond set ring by Benson, see Lot 25.

The piece shows light surface wear consistent with age. The movement may require servicing prior to regular use, and the item is offered in good condition.


J. W. Benson was a prominent British watchmaker to the Royal Family, known for high quality time pieces. For a longer write-up about the firm, please see Lot 25.



Colonel Maharajah Sir Jagatjit Singh Sahib Bahadur GCSI GCIE GBE (1872-1949)
He was the last ruler of the Princely State of Kapurthala from October 1877-August 1947. A great lover of travel and a Francophile, he was also a polyglot and contemporary of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jind. Jagajit proudly held 'three G's' from the British Raj to go with a 'full rack' of Coronation, Durbar & Jubilee Medals for the period. He was also the recipient of around twenty First Class Orders of Chivalry from around the world.

Continuing his States noble loyalty to the Crown, notably during the Great War he subscribed Rs. 29,954 to the Indian Relief Fund, (including the subscriptions of State officials and subjects); Rs. 50,000 towards the expenses of the State regiment in 1916, Rs. 3,00,000 to the English War Loan, Rs. 2,50,000 to the French War Loan, Rs 9,35,000 to the first and second Indian War Loans (including subscriptions of State officials and subjects), Rs. 30,000 per annum towards free rations. Besides, he contributed an extra Company as an addition to the State Regiment. The strength of the Imperial Service Regiment Depot was nearly doubled costing about Rs. 20,000 annually. The arrangement was made for the double payment to the rank and file of the regiment in the field and batta to mounted officers etc., in addition to that granted by the Government.

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Estimate
£4,000 to £5,000

Starting price
£2500