The watch was made for his wife Martha Wayles Jefferson by Thomas Jefferson. She was passed away shortly after the birth of their sixth child. Jefferson bought the golden keepsake as a constant reminder of his wife and placed inside it a lock of her hair.
On the back of the timepiece are inscribed the words: "Nay if even in the house of Hades men forget their dead / Yet will I even there be mindful of my dear companion." The same words are inscribed on her grave.
The watch will sale during the highly anticipated Americana week, hosted by Christies from January 21- January 25. It is expected to fetch between $40,000-$80,000.
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