In a thrilling turn of events, a pocket watch believed to have witnessed the historic Battle of Trafalgar has been snatched up by a private collector for an astonishing £1,600, more than three times its expected value. The 235-year-old silver timepiece, previously owned by Captain Charles Bennett, a key figure in the battle, left the audience astounded at a recent auction in Derbyshire.
The watch’s remarkable journey to the auction podium began when it was brought to Hansons Auctioneers for evaluation. Matt Crowson, a militaria expert from the Derbyshire-based auction house, hailed this discovery as “astonishing and thrilling.” Crowson’s excitement was not misplaced, as a handwritten note found within the watch’s intricate casing connected it to its illustrious past.
The note, authored by James H Waters, the watch’s late 19th-century owner, detailed that this historic timepiece once belonged to his great-grandfather, Captain Charles Bennett. Bennett, it turns out, served on the HMS Tonnant, a British warship that played a pivotal role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Militaria expert Crowson explained the significance of HMS Tonnant’s involvement in the historic battle, stating, “During the battle, HMS Tonnant engaged in fierce combat with the French 74-gun flagship Algesiras. 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.”
Adding to the historical narrative, Crowson noted that Bennett, who was a lieutenant at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar, led a British boarding party that captured 270 French officers and imprisoned them below deck. However, the Algesiras sustained damage to its masts during the skirmish, and it drifted away from the British fleet.
In a surprising twist, Lt. Bennett then made a critical decision. He released the French prisoners to help repair the damaged vessel, a move that backfired. The British forces were quickly overpowered, leading to the French regaining control of the Algesiras, which sailed on to Cadiz.
Official records confirm Bennett’s presence as the 3rd Officer on HMS Tonnant during the Battle of Trafalgar. Still, the handwritten note found within the watch referred to him as “Captain,” indicating that he was likely promoted after the momentous battle.
The watch, which was previously held in a Nottinghamshire collector’s possession, was initially expected to fetch £500 at auction. However, this remarkable artifact from the Battle of Trafalgar exceeded all expectations, fetching a staggering £1,600 and finding a new home with an eager private buyer. It’s a testament to the enduring fascination with history and the remarkable stories locked within timeless artifacts like Captain Charles Bennett’s silver pocket watch.
