Pocket Watch, c1894

This watch was believed to have been purchase by Samuel Heaton Staniforth, before being handed to his brother Herbert Heaton Staniforth. While this part of the story is hard to verify, it is known that this watch was definitely in the possession of Herbert, and that he passed it to his son Winsor Heaton Staniforth. Winsor then passed it to his own son, Anthony Heaton Staniforth, who then passed it to his grandson Nathan James Staniforth.

Based on the serial number, the movement was manufactured in Springfield, Illinois, USA and is dated 1894. Herbert Heaton Staniforth was born 1892, and his brother Samuel was born 1877, so it does seem likely that this was originally a new purchase by Samuel. We also know, based on photographs, that Samuel was gond of pocket watches as he can be seen wearing one tied to his blazer.

Although we cannot be certain whether Samuel or Herbert purchased the watch, it is clear that it spans five generations.