Franklin Roosevelt was wearing this Swiss-made Crawford chronograph wrist watch when he passed away in 1945. The back of its 18KT gold plate case is engraved "TO THE / HONORABLE / FRANKLIN DELANO ROOEVELT / FROM / ARDENT AND GRATEFUL / ADMIRERS / 1943" and carries the serial number 484461, with a likely original domed Art Deco plastic stand. Accompanying the watch is a framed display of photographs and letters that give it impeccable provenance. The photographs show FDR in public settings with his bodyguard, Secret Service Agent Charles W. Fredericks. The framed letters, of which there are two, are respectively from Eleanor Roosevelt to Agent Fredericks and also from FDR's son, Elliot, to a descendant of Agent Fredericks'. Mrs. Roosevelt writes,"Dear Charlie, I can never really thank you and the enclosed is only a feeble effort so that you will get something tangible to remind you that I am not only deeply grateful for all you did for the President, but also for all you have done these past weeks for me. Sincerely, Eleanor Roosevelt. " Then, writing in 1989, Elliot Roosevelt states, in part: "...I can also attest to the fact that my Mother sent to Charlie Fredericks at the time of writing the letter, the watch which he (FDR) had been wearing in Warm Springs at the time of his death on April 12, 1945. Your Grandfather was certainly a devoted friend to my Father...". In addition to this material are the following items: an Eleanor Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed, one page, Hyde Park, New York, April 25, 1945, to "Mr. Secretary" (of the Treasury) in which she praises Charlie Fredericks; plus (3) 1942/3 official letters to Charlie Fredericks congratulating him upon his appointment as "Bodyguard to the President"; plus a 1954 letter thanking Fredericks for his service on behalf of the Treasury Department; plus an original photo postcard showing a young Agent Fredericks in the early 1920s driving President Harding's car with the president in the foreground; plus an Eleanor Roosevelt photo inscribed "To Charles Fredericks with appreciation & gratitude Eleanor Roosevelt," presented in its original 11.5 x 9.5 in. carved wooden frame; plus a personalized FDR handkerchief framed with a facsimile photo of Roosevelt and Eisenhower shadowed by Fredericks in the background; plus(34) 8 x 10 in. glossy news photos variously showing FDR, Fredericks and combinations thereof; plus (2) related 5 x 7 in. news photos; plus an 8.5 in. leather and lead sap with boxed handcuffs; plus a Latin American photo ID for Fredericks while visiting on official business; plus FDR monogramed playing cards, a campaign button, a patriotic lapel pin, a Treasury Department pin and a Secret Service retiree's pin.

By bequest of Eleanor Roosevelt to the estate of Charles W. Fredericks, FDR's bodyguard from 1942 until the the Presiden't death in 1945.

This collection, anchored by President Franklin Roosevelt's last wrist watch, is a rare historical grouping of national importance. It is also a fine testimony to Charles W. Fredericks, a devoted career public servant.

The watch is not running and has moderate scuffing to the crystal, the lid to its case is warped and will not rest properly; the remaining items are in good estate condition or better.

$10,000 - 15,000