A pocket watch that once belonged to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt has been returned to his New York home after being stolen decades ago and resurfacing at an auction, as reported by the FBI and the National Park Service.
The watch was a gift from Roosevelt’s sister, Corinne Roosevelt Robinson, and his brother-in-law, Douglas Robinson Jr., just before he departed for the Spanish-American War in Cuba in 1898. Inscribed on the inside of the watch are the words: “THEODORE ROOSEVELT FROM D.R. AND C.R.R.”
This silver watch accompanied Roosevelt during his time in the war, as well as on hunting trips in Africa and explorations in the Amazon in South America.
Following the 26th president’s passing in 1919, the watch was preserved as a keepsake and eventually entrusted to the park service for display at the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Long Island.
In 1971, the watch was temporarily loaned to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, New York. However, on July 21, 1987, the watch was stolen from the site while on exhibit at the Ansley Wilcox House in Buffalo.
After 36 years, the watch resurfaced at an auction in Florida last year. The auctioneer recognized its significance and reached out to the historical sites and the park service, leading to the involvement of the FBI and the subsequent verification of the watch’s authenticity.
FBI Special Agent Robert Giczy expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the FBI and NPS, stating that it enabled the safe return of this historic artifact for future generations to appreciate.
The watch, identified as a Waltham 17 jewel watch by the FBI, was returned to New York on Thursday and will be on public display at Roosevelt’s home at the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site for the next three months.
The circumstances surrounding the theft of the watch in 1987 and its journey to Florida remain unclear, as the park service has been unable to determine the identity of the thief.
