Churchill's pocket watch to go under the hammer

A pocket watch once gifted to Sir Winston Churchill by Herbert Henry Asquith in 1905 is to be sold at auction.

The 18-carat gold pocket watch is engraved with the former Conservative prime minister's coat of arms.

Edward Langmead, watch specialist at Dawsons auctioneers, said he felt “truly connected to history” while “delving into Sir Winston Churchill’s past”.

The watch will go under the hammer at the auction house, in Maidenhead, Berkshire, with an estimate of £20,000-£30,000 on 23 May.

The item is also inscribed on the inner case: “To Winston with gratitude H. H. Asquith Xmas 1905.”

The gift was believed to acknowledge Sir Winston's "bold move" in 1904 when he famously crossed the floor to the Liberal party, due to a disagreement with the Conservative leadership over its stance on tariff reform, said the auction house.

Mr Churchill was Prime Minister twice between 1940 and 1945 and then again between 1951 to 1955.

Mr Langmead said: “There are certain moments in life when you feel truly connected to history and having the opportunity to delve deep into Sir Winston Churchill's past, both politically and personally has been a privilege.

“To hold a minute repeating pocket watch with the Armorial bearings of Sir Winston Churchill, believed to be a gift from another former Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith in 1905, is nothing short of surreal.”

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