Object Details
Maker
Elizabeth Morley (British, active London 1794-ca. 1807)
Date
Case, 1765; Watch, 1799; Watch Key, ca. 1810-1820
Geography
United Kingdom: England (watch): London; France (case)
Culture
British
Medium
metal; silver; walnut veneers; fruitwood inlays; oak
Dimensions
Overall: 11 3/4 in x 6 3/4 in x 4 1/2 in; 29.845 cm x 17.145 cm x 11.43 cm
Provenance
Undocumented
Inscriptions
The watch stand appears with two paper labels having period script--one is adhered to the interior case with an accompanying red wax seal, while the other is a partial letter and is applied to the exterior door. The first reads, "Presented to me from his Excellency Benjamin Franklin who used it at Pasey [sic (Passy)], France, July 7, 1778. William Earle Porter." NOTE: Ginsburg & Levy interpreted signature as "William Cole Porter" (bill of sale, Feb 7, 1966). The second, perhaps a fragment from a letter, reads "Your most [illegible] servant Benjamin Franklin." The movement engraved with U.S. Great Seal.
Credit Line
Gift of The Wunsch Americana Foundation
Collection
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.
Accession Number
RR-1967.0005