While reading through "Trademarks of Watch Cases, Pocket Watches and Precious Stones" book by Roy Ehrhardt Copyright 1976, I, to my utter amazement, found that there was a "Scranton Special" pocket watch that was made by the Illinois Watch Company. Since I live in Scranton, Pa., I am wondering if any one in our forum has ever heard of the Scranton Special. It could be another Scranton that does is not located in Pa., too.

It is located on page 43 of the Ehrhardt book.

Hi Michael, this is just speculation, Illinois and Hamilton Watch Cos., produced many private label watches, it was a way to market their products. Possibly there was a member of the Scranton family was in the jewelry business and he had some watches produced for his business. My late brother had a private label Illinois from a Kittanning, Pa. jeweler, I wish I had it as we were all born there. I have a Hamilton 924 from New Brighton, Pa. Some collectors try to get private label watches from all 50 states, others like to have watches with local ties.

Gary

Thanks for your reply. I know about western Pa. because I did graduate work at Indiana University of Pa. I taught at the University School while pursuing my Doctor of Education degree. I did not finish my degree but continued teaching in the Scranton School District for thirty five years.