April 20, 2011, 18:43
Don CowlesW.M Kirely identification help
I recently acquired my first Hampton it is a handsome little S16, 17j, stem set, open face, Model 4, Wm Mckinley grade. The movement is signed Wm Kirely
If anyone can identify this person I would sure appreciate the help. Thanks Again Don
April 20, 2011, 21:06
Tom BrownDon
The movement doesn't have a city or state also marked?
I will see if I can find anything.
Tom
April 20, 2011, 21:17
Tom BrownDon
I did locate in the 1870 Philadelphia Pa. Federal census a William Kirely who is listed as watch case maker, he was born about 1810 in Wurttemberg Germany. He is married to Sophia.
Not sure if this is your guy.
Tom
April 20, 2011, 23:06
Don CowlesTom: The movement is also marked, 17 jewels, safety pinion, Canton,O. It was sold about 1908. So the Kirely you found could be relevant. I suspect he may be the father of the signer. Thanks for my only clue. Regards Don
April 21, 2011, 04:41
Richard RomeroDon,
The mans signature that appears on your watch was the 25th president of the United States. Although his signature looks like Wm Kirely it's W McKinley. The president had no middle name. Here's some info.
What were the middle names of every single U.S. president?William McKinleyWilliam McKinley SignatureRR
W McKinley Signatue on top and Willaim McKinley on bottomApril 21, 2011, 10:48
Don CowlesRichard: Bingo! you did it again. Got a better deal than I thought. Thanks to all Don
P.S. The photo Richard posted is my watch
April 21, 2011, 16:43
Gary HoggExtremely good buy IMO; but I like Hampden of this time period...
I think this is another example of the curse of cursive writing....