£20 watch ‘was a gift from Stalin’
ARUSSIAN watch believed to be a gift from Josef Stalin to one of his generals was bought by a Stockport historian for £20 from a street trader.
The timepiece was picked up from a market in Buxton 25 years ago by author David Turner, 87, from Heald Green.
He has only worn it twice and says his research suggests it was a gift from Stalin to General Georgy Zhukov to thank him for reaching Berlin before the other Allies at the end of World War II.
Now David wants to return the piece of military history to its homeland and will travel to the Russian Embassy in London next month to discuss the matter.
He said: “It is too rare to put into everyday use and too valuable so I’ve only worn it twice and it’s been in a wardrobe for most of the last 25 years.
“But I’m not interested in the monetary aspect I’d rather it go back to Russia as it is part of their history, or even to General Zhukov’s family.
“It is well worn, which suggests it could easily date back to the 1940s but it keeps perfect time and has an unusual, eyecatching design.”
The face is black enamel with luminous numbers and hands as well as an engraving of Stalin and Zhukov stood together saluting.
It also has the latter’s name inscribed on it and a chrome casing. When David bought it the seller told him that he had originally picked it up at an antiques market in Paris.
He says should the watch not go back to Russia then he is happy for it to be displayed in the Imperial War Museum.
But it would have to first go through a decontamination process to ensure the luminous substance on the hands was safe.
David added: “I’ve no idea how the watch ended up in Buxton via Paris but I am certain it is a one off.
“The thing that immediately caught my eye was that Stalin and Zhukov featured on the dial. It is a very important historical artefact as far as Russia is concerned.”