Question about markings on mainliner case (center section)

Internet Horology Club 185

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May 05, 2015, 17:44

Tim Poovey

Question about markings on mainliner case (center section)

Hello Gentlemen,

I was admiring my 950E yesterday just as I have many times in the past, when I noticed something I had not noticed before. On the bottom edge of the center section it is stamped "10K Gold filled" kind of cool

. My guess is that it is denoting that the center section is gold filled as well as the back and front bezel.

My question is, did all the Mainliner cases have this or was it just certain years and did any other makers do this?

Best regards,
Tim

May 05, 2015, 17:47

Tim Poovey

Picture of the stamp..

May 05, 2015, 17:48

Tim Poovey

Just for fun...front

May 05, 2015, 17:49

Tim Poovey

Bezel off...

May 05, 2015, 17:49

Tim Poovey

Back...

May 05, 2015, 18:18

Rick Farmer

Hello Tim, I have Waltham WI J. Boss 10K Gold Filled Railroader case that has the same marking and location as your 950.

Regards
Rick

May 05, 2015, 19:16

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Tim,

Beginning around 1923-24 it was mandated that all "jewelry" items, and that includes our watch cases and chains carry a marking that designated the actual content of the item. This marking you found is in keeping with that regulation and markings like this were used on the case-frame by Keystone, Wadsworth and Star likely intended to be a quick reference to content without having to take the back off their pocket watch cases.

Often these markings are worn away on a much-used case.

Lindell

May 05, 2015, 20:18

Tim Poovey

Thanks for the response Lindell, and well understood answer.

THANKS for the job you and Debbie do