WATCH, POCKET - WITH CHAIN

The watch was donated to History House Museum by Myra Penwill Wickham (1910–2001), a lifelong Western Australian resident. Myra spent much of her life in Mount Lawley before moving to Bentley in later years. While the precise date of her ownership is unknown, the watch and patriotic fob chain likely reflect items of personal significance or practical use during her adult life. Their survival and donation offer a tangible link to the domestic and social life of a local woman whose lifespan encompassed both World Wars and much of the 20th century. There is no indication of any connection to Armadale.
This pocket watch and fob chain represent early-to-mid 20th-century personal timekeeping and the social value of pocket watches as both functional tools and decorative accessories. The watch’s base-metal case, stamped “METAL,” reflects the mass production of non-precious watches for everyday use during the interwar and post-war periods. The attached fob medallion, likely produced by Stokes & Sons between 1910 and 1930, reflects a patriotic “Advance Australia” theme common in early Australian souvenirs. Together, they illustrate the type of modest yet meaningful personal items owned by Western Australians in the mid-20th century.
The pocket watch is in fair to poor condition, reflecting significant wear and age. The glass face is loose, the dial is damaged, and both the second and minute hands are missing. The base-metal case shows minor surface wear and tarnishing consistent with long-term use. Hand-engraved serial or style numbers remain visible on the inner back cover, and the “METAL” stamp is clear. The attached fob chain and medallion are structurally intact but display surface wear and age-related patina. Overall, the watch is stable for display but requires careful handling to prevent further deterioration.