My Gold Watch
I have a gold watch that means more to me than anything. I keep it on my kangaroo by the bed. I got it from a stranger who came to my house when I was a kid...


~~~~~~~~~~~~WAVY LINES~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I come from a military family and one day when I was watching cartoons (clutch cargo I believe), this guy in uniform came to the door and told my mom that he knew my (recently deceased) father and had a gift for me, the son of his friend.

He was called Captain Koons and he was in the same POW camp (in Hanoi) with my dad. He had a watch in his hands and told me a story of where it came from.

It was first bought by my great grandfather during the first world war just before he went to Paris. When he came back, it stayed in an old coffee can until my grandfather went to fight in world war two.

Unfortunately my grandfather's luck wasn't quite as good as his old mans, and he was killed at the battle of Wake island. But a few days before, knowing that he would probably die, he asked a young gunner by the name of Winocki, to deliver the watch to his infant son, my father.

Winocki kept to his word and after the war he left it with my grandmother. The gold watch. The gold watch that was on my father's wrist when he got shot down over Hanoi. In the prison camp, he hid the watch in the only place he could, his ass. This was for 5 years. Then he died of dysentery. Before he died, he gave the watch to Captain Koons. Who in turn, gave the watch to me.


By the way, I am thinking of throwing a boxing match soon, do you reckon I should?

Butch.
(powervator and NONE SHALL PASS, Fri 9 May 2008, 19:25, 2 replies)

in the event of a fire...
I would take the building and contents insurance documents.

.... and a loaf of bread and a toasting fork.
(Rich T has a clever and witty sig, Fri 9 May 2008, 18:51, Reply)

I'll have to get in line with the stuffed animal brigade.
But they aren't my stuffed animals. They belong to my children. Of all the toys in my house, they each have a favorite dog which would be considered their most treasured possession. Naturally I'd save the kids too, but they are wiley and would probably save themselves.

If asked this question 7 or 8 years ago I would have wanted to save everything I own. Now though, just the girls and their favorite toys.
( flirting with badgers What? It sounded good at the time., Fri 9 May 2008, 18:46, Reply)

I
have a banana on my desk, does that qualify?? YAWWWNN!
(conzo21, Fri 9 May 2008, 18:02, Reply)

As well as the watch...
Boris.



Bought by my sister oh so many years ago, imagine my delight when I discovered The Who and realised the significance of his name.
(Dok Zombie Cash, gash, pie and mash., Fri 9 May 2008, 17:47, Reply)

That which cannot be replaced...
Firstly.... *pop*

I've been reading some of the replies to this question and I find myself thinking that of all the things I could rescue in a fire, the only single thing I would rescue, in all honesty, possesses me to a far greater degree than I possess it.

My Fiancée.

I really think that everything else could burn to the ground, and my life would be no poorer for it.

On a slightly more philosophical note, when you're faced with a question such as this, it forces you to consider what really is important in your life, be it material, sentimental, or something that is very much a part of what you do, or who you are at the moment. Most of the replies here have lifted my heart somewhat, as I think we all need something that we value more than our own existence. Surely if we don't, we are poorer for it?

Thanks for your time, length jokes will appear in future posts.
(Ryushin, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:38, 3 replies)

oh
and my Marilyn Monroe t-shirt, skin tight shows of my muscles and physique.
(conzo21, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:37, Reply)

The first page of the bible
It reads

"all characters and events are fictional.................."



*sorry for shameless red dwarf rip-off
( KISS.ME.WHERE.I.POO Signed the sex offenders register on, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:36, 1 reply)

My
PSP and my mobile phone. I hate lossing my mobile phone, im like a mother with a lost child. Dont even start me on the PSP
(conzo21, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:32, 1 reply)

The bullet
with fucking Davina McCall's name on it
(magic the cat will someone please think of the kittens, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:31, 3 replies)

Redundant Zippo

Not vital by any stretch, but I would be saddened if it got lost.
An old battered chrome zippo lighter. I brought it while working in France in the endless summer of my early youth. It reminds me of fresh innocence, simplicity, when I had not a care in the world, just endless naïve possibilities, without concerns of mortgages, pensions, council tax , serious relationships or career progression taking their inevitable hold.

Holding that worn chunk of cool metal brings those days back with a flourish of sentiment.

Its personal value increased when my best friend lifted it without my knowledge to have it inscribed just before he moved to Australia, the guy has leukaemia now, but its looking good that he will pull through.

Its easy to understand how objects become priceless when fond memories and fine people brush off on them.

But in a burning building, I would grab my girlfriend. The rest of my world is shallow and insured.
(Eeeza bit Tidy A blink, a pause, a blush and then I knew., Fri 9 May 2008, 17:22, 1 reply)

..
My Projectors, Car, Sunn0))) Lp's, Laptops
((((InfraSound))) SUNN0))) > YOU!, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:16, 4 replies)

Whats important to me
On a more serious note……sorry for downing a Friday

I split up with the girl of my dreams last year. After a seven year relationship it all ended. I would like to say it was on equal terms, but, the truth is she was fucking her boss behind my back. I was completely devastated – not just for being cheated on, but, I lost the flat I worked so hard to get (could not afford it on my own). I lost my cat (she took it). And I lost seven years of happy memories. Most importantly though I lost my dreams. I completely stopped dreaming for about 6 months. I had no happy memories and I was completely broken.

But

I found out one very important life lesson. I learnt exactly how lucky I am to have THE BEST FRIENDS humanly possible. They all looked after me in a way that I could never imagine. They dusted me off, they picked me up and they cheered me up. They all got me living again.

I possess the greatest friends on earth and I am one lucky individual for that.

*Omar, Joe, Caroline, Mel and Julia – Thank you!!
( KISS.ME.WHERE.I.POO Signed the sex offenders register on, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:15, 11 replies)

I'm a bit of a hoarder.
I buy loads of shit and I keep it and I love having it all. I can't fit my car in the garage as it's choc-full of miscellaneous shite. The loft too, is quickly filling with paraphernalia (sp?), most rapidly under the growing mountain of redundant and originally un-necessary baby clothes & toys. (Just in case we're mad enough to have another one)

Like a few others who have posted earlier, I can't really think of anything I'd run into a burning house for though. Of course I'd be gutted if I were to lose my photographs (qotw has reminded me to make a new backup & keep it at work!). I'd be pretty gutted if I lost any of my things though. For example; my fishing rods would easily be replaced, probably with shinier newier betterier ones. Those lovely new sticks wouldn't hold the memory of the (admittedly few) great fish caught and trips away when the rods were used & abused.

Deviating from the material theme. My real answer must be stupefyingly obvious, predictable and dull. The only thing/s I really care about are my little girl and my wife. As long as I have them, losing everything else would be easily bearable.
(Greencloud Wanted to go fishing on, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:09, Reply)

someone
who just fell out of a frying pan

the bottom of this particular barrel is now covered in scrape marks
(magic the cat will someone please think of the kittens, Fri 9 May 2008, 17:04, Reply)

My collection of 2000ad comics
It's a full set, with all the specials and annuals from 1977 to last Wednesday. Yeah, yeah, I know. I can hear you shouting "Dweeb!" at your monitor. Sad to say, everything else I own is either cheap shit, falling to bits or stolen.

The practicalities of carrying four heavy, plastic boxes containing highly combustible material through a house fire probably isn't the most sensible of actions to take under such circumstances - but it might get me a Krill Tro Thargo and a letter in the Nerve Centre. This will cheer me up while I'm languishing in the burns unit.
(the_legendary_shark isn't really legendary at all, just rather dull., Fri 9 May 2008, 16:48, 2 replies)

My Braque print.
About 5 years ago I inherited an original Braque print from my aunt (having 3 other siblings, I guess I was the favorite). She wasn't the cleanest person toward her end and the large print was badly stained.
I had it professionally restored and the restorer informed me that his entire studio smelled of stale cat urine for a week. At least I know what the stain was now. The restoration was top notch and the print is beautiful. I smile every time I look at it, think of my aunt, and how angry that restorer was ...
(xianstudio, Fri 9 May 2008, 16:26, 1 reply)

Not as sad as it sounds
But in the event of a fire I would say my computer is my most treasured possession. And that is because it has all my photos of my GF, myself and her daughter on it. Yes, they're backed up. But it would be quicker getting the PC out than looking for the DVDs.
(Teran Thinks Pogonophobia is funny, Fri 9 May 2008, 16:15, Reply)

My Braque print.

About 5 years ago I inherited an original Braque print from my aunt (having 3 other siblings, I guess I was the favorite). She wasn't the cleanest person toward her end and the large print was badly stained.
I had it professionally restored and the restorer informed me that his entire studio smelled of cat urine for a week. The now framed print is beautiful hanging on my wall. I smile every time I look at it - the beauty and how pissed off (PUN!) that restorer was ...
(xianstudio, Fri 9 May 2008, 16:15, Reply)

Shiny McShine
I would have to save my precious Shiny McShine (PS3). Not because I'm an over possessive fan boy nor the fact that it cost me lots of money, It would just piss my girlfriend off. She’s jealous of it as it is.

Oh and my signed Harold Shipman photograph.
(tedalaki - Like Purple Aki but better, Fri 9 May 2008, 16:00, 6 replies)

Not my treasure, my late dad's
I've already posted about my mum's mum, who died when I was small. Much loved, much missed, feisty wee woman.

The other granny, however, was a thrawn auld besom. Lived to be nearly ninety, and was bitter to the end. Her son and daughter could never please her, no matter how hard they tried. Eventually, they stopped trying.

When my parents got married, my dad left a lot of old stuff in her attic, and there it lay for many years to come. He often spoke of selling some of it one day - wartime toys and early editions of boys' comics - secure in the knowledge that it was safe in granny's loft. The old witch was unable to access the loft, due to severe vertigo and being a bit on the obese side.

Then, visiting one day, we were told that some council workmen had been in the loft fitting a new water tank and noticed the stuff. She then calmly informed my dad that she'd said they could take anything they fancied. He was up that loft like a rat up a drainpipe, and found the whole lot was gone. He was beyond mad, and just quietly told us to go out to the car. What he said to her that day remained a secret they took to their respective graves.

For the rest of his life, every time he saw old Dinky cars and comics being sold for a small fortune, his ears would go red. That was the only visible sign we ever got that dad was angry, those red-tipped ears. That was our cue to swiftly remove ourselves from the room so he could have a bloody good rant.

Poor guy - he'd saved these things originally from sentimentality, then with a view to a wee bit of ready cash. Only to have his mother deny him even that.

Thankfully, it wasn't until after my dad died, and granny's mind began to wander, that we found out she'd actually sold the whole box to one of those dealers who go around knocking on doors. Sold her son's possessions, for quite a bit of money, and kept the lot. Greedy old cow.

Her daughter, who'd been treated with the same utter disdain all her life, got the best revenge. Granny left strict instructions for her funeral, including lots of cars and lavish "floral tributes" but got one car, a couple of simple bouquets, and we spent the rest of the money on a family piss-up. Granny was a life-long teetotaller. We could hear her spinning from the pub!
(TheWeeWitch hasn't been here much recently .., Fri 9 May 2008, 15:58, 5 replies)

I hate these QOTW's
Makes me realise I'm a cold hearted get who doesnt care about anything. I read all your postings about rings, heirlooms, photos, and it makes me a bit sad that I dont care about anything that much. I dont have the capacity, it's simply not in me! I understand what Legless means about it all being just stuff but thats not it either. Next week can we have what's your favourite ice lolly or something easy please.

Thanks B3ta for making me feel a little dead inside.
( SteveFrench Cardio is for homo's. do you even lift bro?, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:46, 11 replies)

The Evidence
.
(The Urban Badger Pressing the wrong button since 1987, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:45, 2 replies)

A stuffed albino mole
My grandad caught it. My grandma had it stuffed. They're both dead now, but the mole lives on (well, it's dead and stuffed, but you get my point)
( Frank Boff - wandering like a lost soul, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:37, 1 reply)

I was once
taken over by Blackbeard and compelled to travel to an island in the Bahamas to look for stuff.

T'was a Treasure Possession, YAAAARRR!!

I missed the peeves shit pun thursday so getting this one in early

And if historically inaccurate? I care not a jot Sir, Madam or Austrian Banjoplayer
(Halfy By light alone, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:36, Reply)

my
I would say my most treasure possession is definitely my photos. this qotw stinks
(conzo21, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:29, 8 replies)

As some have said...
... in the end it's just stuff. Most of which is insured, so it can go up in flames and be replicated in full.

However, theres two things I'd want to get out with: a signed copy of Eleanor Coppola's 'Notes on the Making of Apocalypse Now' because she wrote a lovely message in it after I'd interviewed her. The other one is an original, framed Steve Bell 'If...' cartoon, of William Hague kicking his own head into a goal.

But really both of those are trumped by having to save 'Captain', my 5-year old daughter's favourite soft toy, that goes absolutely everywhere with her. Of course we could replace it, but this one has those battered-with-years-of-love idiosyncracies that can never be replicated. It's not just for my daughter either, she loves it so much that her anthropomorphication of the damned stuffed toy cat has seeped over to me and I think of it as a sentient thing. That may make me a sentimental silly arse, but I'd feel awful if she ever lost it for good.


Edit: Oh, yeah, and my longbow.
(vertigo, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:17, Reply)

Treasured automobiles
My friend knows a guy in West Africa who owns a Peugeot 504 estate with over 1.2 million miles on it.

His father owned it, and now him. Apparently the seats sag so much you're sitting on the floor, and 2nd gear is broken. It's been crashed, stolen, and even rolled over once. But it still continues to faithfully trundle back and forth along dirt roads every day.

I think some cars have a soul, and that must be one of them.
(Half of Stephen Fry's right buttock pissed on your dog on, Fri 9 May 2008, 15:10, 4 replies)