Treasures from Our West: Pocket watch

Originally published in Points West magazine in Summer 20072

Pocket watch, given to Dr. D. Frank “White Beaver” Powell by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody

In 1884, this beautiful pocket watch was given to D. Frank “White Beaver” Powell, M.D. by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody with the inscription “Life long ‘pards.'”

Interestingly, in place of numerals, the clock face has, in order from 1:00, the letters “W-H-I-T-E-B-E-A-V-E-R.” It features a rose gold case with engraved fern motifs around edges. Along with an embossed design with rose gold rocks and trees, and green gold leaves and grass, the back cover has, appropriately enough, a white gold beaver. Powell later gave the watch to his son-in-law, Cody’s nephew, inscribed “to Roy Myers, the son of my heart.”

Pocket watch given by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody to D. Frank “White Beaver” Powell, M.D., 1884. Museum Purchase, Garlow Memorial Fund. 1.69.2658

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