Pocket watch likely carried by Matthew Henson in 1908-1909 Arctic expedition

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Object Details

Manufactured by: American Watch Company, American, 1850 - 1957
Used by: Matthew A. Henson, American, 1866 - 1955
Subject of: Matthew A. Henson, American, 1866 - 1955; Robert E. Peary, American, 1856 - 1920

Caption: An engraved watch that is believed to be the watch carried by Matthew Henson (1866-1955) on his exploration of the North Pole along with Adm. Robert E. Peary from July 6, 1908 to April 23, 1909. Henson is an iconic figure among American pioneering explorers. During the 1908-09 expedition led by Admiral Peary (whom he assisted on several Arctic expeditions over a 20-year period), Henson became the first man to reach the North Pole. For his achievements, Congress awarded Henson the Peary Polar Expedition Medal in 1944. In 2000, the National Geographic Society awarded Henson the Hubbard Metal – its highest award.
Description: This pocket watch belonged to Matthew Henson and is engraved with his initials. The watch is silver in color and the words [R.E. PEARY / NORTH POLE / EXPEDITION / 1908] are engraved on the front in an Edwardian style. Henson's initials [M.A. HENSON] are engraved on the side. The watch has a white face with black hands and roman numerals. The watchmaker's name [Am. Watch Co. / WALTHAM] is printed in the top center of the face. The inside of the watch is engraved with the watchmaker's name [American Waltham Watch Co.] and the serial number [3639616].

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

1888-1889; inscribed 1908 or 1909

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions; Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Place used: North Pole, Arctic; Greenland, Cape Morris Jessup, North and Central America
Place made: Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Adornment; Personal Effects and Items

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic: African American; Men; Nature; Science; Technology; U.S. History, 1865-1921

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51a84fae9-5904-4016-9333-4959ae6961ab