Does anyone have information about watches marked for A F Odell, Quincy, Illinois? Recently the pictured watch came my way.
I have seen one mention of a Waltham 1883 model having an Odell dial at

http://www.nawcc-mb.com/bbv2/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;f...139;gpid=184#gpid184

My research indicates that A F Odell owned several jewelry stores in and around Quincy, IL soon after the turn of the twentieth century. I would be interested to know whether A F Odell has been associated with railroad watch inspecting.

The movement behind the dial I found is Elgin 18s 17J PWLS BWR Ser. No. 9863751. I understand that the movement, dial and hands are original. It is noteworthy that the hands are double swell spade, very similar or identical to Ball style.

The Odell signature is rather artistic which makes me wonder whether A F Odell was trying to emulate the Ball marketing success.

All comments welcome.

John Scott