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Lot Essay
Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)
The 36th President of the United States from 1963-1969, Lyndon Baines Johnson (or LBJ) succeeded President John F. Kennedy in November, 1963, following his tragic assassination. Before he assumed a presidential position, LBJ’s rise to the White House was a series of successful electoral positions for which he is known to have preceded with a strong and persistent personality.
The present watch was offered to then-Senator Johnson as Guest of Honor by McDowell County Democratic Committee on October 18, 1958, held in West Virginia.
The case back is engraved;
PRESENTED TO SENATOR LYNDON B. JOHNSON BY THE MCDOWELL COUNTY DEMOCRATS, WELCH. W. VA, OCT. 18-58
It is clear that Johnson valued this timepiece, wearing it extensively as he rose to leadership and eventual presidential nomination throughout his most influential years. The present booklet to accompany this lot offers a series of photographic events which show LBJ wearing the timepiece during the campaign trail of the Democratic elections of 1960. Although unsuccessful in this particular election, he was then chosen by Senator John F. Kennedy to be his running mate for the United States Presidency. They went on to win a close election over the Republican ticket of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., and Johnson was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 1961.
With its eccentric asymmetrical case design and interesting arrow-shaped numerals, the watch was perfectly suited to his ‘straight-shooter’ moniker, and is a true collector's item for watch collectors and American history enthusiasts alike.
