National Museum of American History
1886 Gold Nugget Watch and Fob
1886
This gold pocket watch and fob are not a set as one might think, but they do share a common history. Anson Williber Callen ordered and gifted both of these these precious items to his son and daughter to mark their birthdays. Mr. Callen, of Junction City, Kansas, made his fortune as a guide for expeditions going to Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada in search of gold. In exchange for his services, he negotiated an interest in each mine and its production. The gold nuggets that cover the surface of this watch and chain are believed to have come from one of the mines that he helped discover.
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