Private Label Hamilton 975 from Cleveland, Ohio

August 03, 2008, 00:32

Keith Klimkowicz

Hi

I picked up a private label Hamilton 975 today. I am trying to get more information on the name. The dial is marked Gus F. Rose, Cleveland, O. The movement is marked Gus F. Rose Special.
Thanks in advance for any help.

August 03, 2008, 08:56

Keith Klimkowicz

The Movement

August 03, 2008, 12:42

Tom Brown

Keith

I looked around a little to see if I could find anything on this guy, the only thing so far is a auction house sold another Elgin with his name on it a couple of years ago but there were not any images.

Tom

August 03, 2008, 13:23

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Keith,

Private label watches are always best when found "complete" with matching dial and movement, this particular one appears to be an unusually nice example.

All I can add is according to The Gelson Listings your 975 number 367003 is from a run consisting of 367001-367500 during the 1906-1907 time-frame. You'll notice you have the third number in that run. But what that provides is clear confirmation that Gus F. Rose was located in Cleveland, Ohio in 1906 and most likely as a Retail Jeweler. That is given additional emphasis by the fact Tom found an Elgin with the same name!

However, keep in mind some private labels were occasionally special ordered for individuals.

Inquiries at the Cleveland Public Library at 216-623-2800 and Western Reserve Historical Society at 216-721-5722 also on-line the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History and Cleveland Digital Library may prove helpful. If you are lucky you may be able to find references to Mr. Rose as well as his family and business interests. All of this in addition to what may be developed right here by our always helpful IHC185 Members.

You may be embarking on an exciting journey, keep us posted!

Lindell

August 03, 2008, 21:37

Tom Brown

Keith

I think I found a little on your watch, the Cleveland City Directory for 1900 has an August F. Rose as a watchmaker & lived at 37 Danford.

There is also a William Rose listed at this same address as a labor.

I will let you know if I can find more.

Tom

August 22, 2008, 08:37

Keith Klimkowicz

My research on Gus F. Rose has many twists and turns. I ran into a road block where I could not find anything on “August” Gus F. Rose, only an “Augustus” Rose which owned an iron fence company here in Cleveland. Then I asked a friend which is into genealogy to help find Gus F. Rose. In a madder of one-two hours I received a full page of information on Gus. Gus was born September 1874 and was the second child of twelve that his mother Augusta had. Gus was listed as watchmaker in the 1900 census. Gus married Antoinette and had two children Frederick and Lillian. Gus passed away sometime between 1910 and 1920. Antoinette was listed as jewelry store proprietor in the 1930 census. Frederick was listed as jewelry store repairman in that same 1930 census. He must have taken after his father. In all of my friend’s research she did not find any reference to the stores name. I have continued to chase a few more leads to track down the stores name that Gus F. Rose owned.

I am waiting for more information to arrive. So until then Gus F Rose will stay a mystery.

Tom your reference to William Rose in the above post refered to Gus's father.