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Pocketwatch
Pocketwatch
Pocketwatch

Pocketwatch

PeriodCirca 1850-1870
Place MadeGeneva, Switzerland
MediumGold, enamel
Dimensions1.5 in. (3.8 cm)
ClassificationsJewelry
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1942
Object number1701
DescriptionA woman's pocket watch, flat profile, of gold. The watch front is richly enameled in emerald green ground, white scalloped rim border, and lush pink full-blown rose cluster in center. The enamel lid opens to reveal the watch works with an inner gold shell, engraved with "Henry Redard/Geneva." The watch face is simple, with white enamel and fine black hands. A thin loop is fixed at top for a watch chain or ribbon.
Curatorial RemarksHenry Redard opened his watchmaking firm in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1844. It is possible that the little pocket watch was a wedding gift from Anthony to his bride Mary, the roses a delicate reference to her love of flowers.NotesMary Seaman was born in New York on 28 November 1825. She married Monmouth County resident Anthony Reckless on October 6, 1847, in New York City. The couple made their home in Red Bank, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Anthony Reckless was a descendant of Lieutenant Anthony Reckless who served as an officer during the American Revolution including the Battle of Monmouth.Reckless was the president of the New York and Long Branch Railroad, and served as president of the New Jersey Senate in 1863. Mary had five children including William (1849), Charles (1850), Josephine (1853), Gilbert (1857), and Jane (1860). Mary loved flowers, and in 1856 took first prize at the Monmouth County Fair for "best design of cut flowers." An 1873 newspaper article described a visit to the Reckless home, including the conservatory, where azaleas and roses were in full bloom. Although the article gave Anthony Reckless credit for the flowers, it seems more likely that it was Mary Seaman Reckless who grew and cared for the flowers.Mary Seaman Reckless died on September 18, 1883 and was buried in the Christ Church graveyard in Shrewsbury. The Reckless home was purchased in 1921 by the Red Bank Women's Club.
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