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A gold open face pocket watch, Purportedly gifted to Frank Rigo…
Lot No.
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Description:
A gold open face pocket watch, Purportedly gifted to Frank Rigo from Dame Nellie Melba, circa 1911, crown wind movement, circular silvered dial with Roman numerals, 18ct gold case, engraved lid with the initials 'F.R.' and further hand engraving to the inner lid 'From Nellie Melba Xmas 1911', accompanied by correspondence from Dame Nellie Melba's granddaughter, lady Pamela Vestey, regarding Melba's friendship with Frank Rigo. Provenance: Dame Nellie Melba pocket watch, Edward St John Qc, a prominent barrister in Sydney, and Federal Member of Parliament during the Holt and Gorton governments came across the pocket watch by chance in a curiosity shop in the 1960's. As the watch was inscribed Dame Nellie Melba, Edward showed the watch to his close friend Geoffrey Smith, a Protocol Officer for the Victorian Government who well acquainted with lady Pamela Vestey, Dame Nellie Melba's granddaughter. Lady Vestey was able to fill in some of the history regarding the presumed recipient of the watch., the watch case is engraved with the initials F.R. To the outer lid. The inner lid is the engraved inscription 'From Nellie Melba Xmas 1911., lady Vestey's letter explains 'Fr' was one Frank Rigo an Italian-American opera director and impresario who worked closely with Nellie Melba for many years
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Horology (Clocks & watches): Watches - Pocket & Fob