Recently I acquired a 16-size goldfilled hunter case signed inside both back lids, J. R. Wood & Sons New York Guaranteed 25 Years 766320. The case is of the usual American hunter style, and contains an Elgin movement made in the late 'teens. I Googled up a 1919 catalog describing Wood & Sons as a general jewelry etc. store in New York, founded in 1850. Does the serial number suggest the case manufacturer to anyone? Or is there a known relationship between Wood and a case manufacturer? Thanks.

J.R. Wood was a case manufacturer as well as manufacturing jeweler. I believe the company is still in existence as "Art-Carved" Check this site for a 1923 catalog of their various products, which makes clear they were a big manufacturer, not a jewelry store, and they made a wide range of gold-filled products. They may have dropped watch cases by 1923, but the 1919 catalog you found shows cases. I have two watch cases made by them.

Norman

Thank you for the information, Norman.