Hello Has any one seen this Illinois watch Inspectors advertisement piece before. I want to buy but don't know if it is real.

Sorry about quality of photo it was a jpeg and I did not know how to get it to load so took a photo of.

It say on top
Illinois Watch Co.
Sales and Service then below the train it sayes Authorized Watch Inspector

It does not say Authorized Railroad watch Inspector

So I'm guessing it is advertising ploy of the time.
To make you think that your jeweler is a railroad watch inspector.

I can't read anything in the photo, does it give an inspectors name? Is it a card?

From the writing you say is on it, is it possible it is an ad for the service department of the Illinois Watch Company itself?

I have been researching watch inspectors appointed by the railroads but I would think each watch company had it's own service department where you could return your watch for service. Now I am just guessing about that, I have never really thought about the actual company's having their own service departments but it would make since to me if they did.

I guess I really didn't help answer your question but just asked more. I know the watches came with a warranty.

Tom

I sent some info. to your email Tom. There is some writing down in the left hand corner that I will call about tomorrow.

I sent you back one, some info was missing in your email.

Tom

Thanks got it. Would you like me to post the photo?

IMHO I think this appears to be a genuine article. I think it has a date of 189? & the name of the printing company in the lower left corner.

It would appear to me to be an advertising sign given by Illinois Watch Co. to Jewelers that we authorized dealers in Illinois watches & perhaps also RR watch inspectors.

Tom

I thought I had seen that before, here is the same sign owned by our member Bruce Stewart, his has 1925 so I am probably wrong on the date I thought I read.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...?r=86910707#86910707

Tom

Eugene, does the sign you are thinking of bidding on spell "Authorized" with an "S" instead of a "Z." Mine has the incorrect spelling with the "s," and I am sure the sign is original.

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