Pocket watch likely carried by Matthew Henson in 1908-1909 Arctic expedition

An engraved watch that is believed to be the watch carried by Matthew Henson (1866-1955) on his exploration of the North Pole along with Adm. Robert E. Peary from July 6, 1908 to April 23, 1909. Henson is an iconic figure among American pioneering explorers. During the 1908-09 expedition led by Admiral Peary (whom he assisted on several Arctic expeditions over a 20-year period), Henson became the first man to reach the North Pole. For his achievements, Congress awarded Henson the Peary Polar Expedition Medal in 1944. In 2000, the National Geographic Society awarded Henson the Hubbard Metal – its highest award.