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REF: 410.009- Longines Automatic 1956 owned by Prof. AE Johnson

REF: 410.009- Longines Automatic 1956 owned by Prof. AE Johnson

REF: 410.009- Longines Automatic 1956 owned by Prof. AE Johnson

REF: 410.009- Longines Automatic 1956 owned by Prof. AE Johnson

DESCRIPTION:

Longines 1956 Gold Filled automatic owned by A.E. Johnson, Poet, Author and Professor of English at Syracuse University 1924-1956

 

A stunning Longines Gents Automatic watch with a 10kt gold filled case dating 1956. The case is in excellent condition and has an unusual two part screw back with the back of the watch bearing the inscription 'Albert Edward Johnson Syracuse University 1924-1956'.

After initially listing the watch, one of our regular customers alerted us to the significance of the inscription.

We investigated further and I got in contact with Syracuse University in New York, to ask them to confirm our findings.

This is the reply I received:

Dear Robin Armstrong, 

Your inquiry, sent to Syracuse University Alumni Relations, was forwarded to Syracuse University Archives for further research. 

Quoting from one of his obituaries in October 1960:  “Albert Edward Johnson was London born and went to Canada when he was 14.  Graduated from Saskatchewan University he then entered the service with the 11th Canadian Field Ambulance during WW I.  He studied at Edinburgh University, received his Master of Arts degree from Saskatchewan University in 1920 and then served as lecturer at the University of Manitoba until 1924 when he came to Syracuse University.

 “Here he taught modern drama, forms and art of poetry, creative writing and a survey course in English Literature and quickly became a part of the community, where his quick wit, literary knowledge and deep sense of beauty contributed much to the city’s cultural life.” 

Prof. Johnson was named the first Syracuse University Poet-in-Residence for the year 1954-1955.  He retired in 1956 after 32 on the faculty of Syracuse University.  He and his wife Catherine left Syracuse to live in Majorca.  However, when he became ill he returned to England for treatment and died in London on September 28, 1960.

I did not find any specific mention of a watch presentation.  However, an article in the local Post-Standard newspaper mentions a surprise farewell tribute given in his honor on May 22, 1956 where representatives of the University and the City of Syracuse paid tribute to him.  This sounds like a potential watch giving occasion. 

If you need any other information, please do not hesitate to let me know. 

Sincerely, Mary O’Brien

Assistant Archivist

Prof Albert Edward Johnson published several volumes of verse between 1925 and 1953 in both the UK and USA.

 
 

Prof. Johnson - "The Crown and the Laurel"

 

Prof. Johnson wins Awared with Coronation Book.

Prof. A.E. Johnson of the English department at Syracuse University won thrid prize in the poetry section of the Books of the Month Coronation Literary Competition with his book, "The Crown and The Laurel.". This was a worldwide competition judged by the professor of poetry at Oxford University, C Day Lewis. Publication of the book George Ronald has made news in production circles. The book jacket and book binding for thise coronation poems were printed at the same time and in the same design.

Printed offset-lithographed, the cover of this book looks just as gay and inviting in yellow, white and black as it did before the jacket was removed.

In a trade publication this point is thought out: "Why do publishers spend so much money on four and five-color dust jackets which cover drab cased bindings? These can give rise to a sense of loss and disappointment when, eventually, the jacket has to be discarded".

Prof. Johnson has created a graceful tribute to the young poetry. In "The Crown and the Laurel", the name and themes of Shakespeare are constantly recurring symbols. Nearly half the poems are about or reminiscent of the man from Stratford.

Prof. Johnson's poetry has been published in The New York Times, Punch Magazine, the Poetry Review, The Christian Science Monitor and the Post Standard. He is vice-president of the English Speaking union in Syracuse.

 
 

 

The watch itself is in superb condition showong little sign of wear. The case has a an unusual two part screw back with the inner being gold filled. The inside of the rear cover signed 'Longines Watch Co Inc New York'. The silver dial is in superb order with little deteriation over time. The movement is Longines Watch Co signed, CAL.19AS, 17 jewels and automaticallly wound. Beautiful quality. Presented on a new generic, quality brown leather strap. Watch measures 35mm in diameter.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a Longines watch with a genuine and interesting provenance, particulary if you have an interest in English Literature.