Lot 166: (PARKER, SAMUEL)

American Watch Co: A Gold Hunter Cased Pocketwatch, Circa 1875

18k, with three-quarter plate gilt movement, enamel dial bearing photograph of Parker, case decorated on both sides with enamel foliate and scroll motif, cuvette bearing the engraving "Keonaonalaulani from S Parker."

NOTE

Sam Parker was one of the most flamboyant of all of the members of the celebrated ranching dynasty; his social life rivalled that of King Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch. Parker was wed in 1871 to a descendant of a king of Maui, Harriet Panana Napela. It is not clear if "Keonaonalaulani" was a family name that Parker had for his wife, or if this watch was given to another object of his affection. In either case, it is entirely in keeping with his personality that he had the watch not simply engraved, but decorated with his likeness.