John Muir home at John Muir National Historic Site/NPS, Luther Bailey

On a mild summer evening 41 years ago, someone broke into the two-story home of John Muir that is the centerpiece of the John Muir National Historic Site. In the quiet of the night, surrounding by artifacts and memorabilia from Muir's incredible life, the interloper took one item: Muir's gold pocket watch. 

According to the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch, "(T)he pocket watch was targeted in the theft and was the only item stolen. It is gold plated and made by the American Waltham Watch Company. It has a “hunter style” case with a shield design on the front."

The watch, with the number "764188" stamped on the inside, back cover of the case, was made by the American Waltham Watch Co. It has Roman numerals for each hour, and a circular section with a seconds hand on the lower portion of the dial.

For four decades the watch has been missing, and now Park Service special agents are hoping someone might have information that could help them recover the watch.

The face of a pocket watch similar to John Muir's/NPS

Muir was an important naturalist and figure in both California and National Park Service history. He is sometimes referred to as the “Father of the National Parks” and was one of the founding members of the Sierra Club. "The pocket watch was donated to the National Park Service by Muir’s daughter, Helen Funk Muir, after his death and is an irreplaceable piece of history," according to an ISB release. 

If you have information on the current whereabouts of the pocket watch or any information regarding the theft in 1978, contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch. Up to $1,000 is offered for the watch’s safe return. You don’t have to tell the agents who you are, but they want to know what you know abut the theft. 

CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line  888-653-0009 

ONLINE at www.nps.gov/ISB > click “Submit a Tip” 

EMAIL [email protected]