Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site

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This gold pocket watch was originally believed to be the watch worn by Martha throughout her lifetime and passed down to her niece after her death. However, the marks on the watch works suggest that it was made by John Barwise around 1805. The "IN" on the case may indicate it was made by John Nevill, an English goldsmith, who was not registered for business until 1786. Though Martha did not wear this watch it is possible that the case was purchased by Martha for her granddaughter prior to her death in 1802 and it was united with the works at a later date.

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This gold pocket watch was originally believed to be the watch worn by Martha throughout her lifetime and passed down to her niece after her death. However, the marks on the watch works suggest that it was made by John Barwise around 1805. The "IN" on the case may indicate it was made by John Nevill, an English goldsmith, who was not registered for business until 1786. Though Martha did not wear this watch it is possible that the case was purchased by Martha for her granddaughter prior to her death in 1802 and it was united with the works at a later date.