I recently bought an 18s Waltham in what I thought was just a well engraved, 25 yr, gold-filled case. The inside of the back is stamped with the case number and Jas. Boss scales with crown above but with no additional reference. The dust cover is also stamped with the case number and with the 'C'/'O' mark in a cuvette normally associated with Keystone cases. There are no other marks and, as far as I was concerned, this was just a rather nice gold filled case.

However, I've just removed the movement for cleaning and noticed that, on the inside of the band, it's clearly stamped "JAS. BOSS 14K".

From the scales and crown (and lack of flex in the back and dust cover) I still think it's a '25 yr' or 'Extra' case but I didn't think Jas. Boss went in for this type of blurred description. Has anyone else seen similar markings?

Really? Pictures please. I was always under the impression the crown meant "gold filled". Is there somewhere further down the band that it's saying "gf"?

Dick,
According to my 1915 "Trademarks of the Jewelry and Kindred Trades" book, on page 184, Keystone did make a case with the mark. Jas. Boss with the scale and crown that's listed as 14k gold filled 25 yr. Sorry I can't post a picture of it, I don't have my scanner up and running.
Sheila

Thanks Folks,

I'll try to get a picture up at the weekend.

Hi Dick, This subject has been covered well on the 185 Board. Run a search on "J Boss" You will get over 50 hits,scroll down to Gold Case and you will learn all about the 14K Dust Band........Keith

Lindell
I suspect that Jas Boss 14kt was always meant to decieve.Special sleeves were sometimes put in the cases that a jeweler could remove that said J Boss 14kt ( like your picture) to make the buyer think they were getting a solid gold case.

Bob

Thanks to everyone who helped on this. I was pretty sure that (from the scales) it was gold-filled but needed confirmation.

Thanks again,

Dick