Hi all, I have come across these 2 early Gruen display stands, for both wrist and pocket watches. I was wondering if anyone had seen this type of item before and could tell me about them, year, use, what type of retailer would have them etc.? I believe they are made of brass and both have a wonderful patina on them. Thanks for any and all information, Bill
Posts: 1278 | Location: British Columbia in Canada | Registered: May 19, 2008
These items were in an antique store in Saskatchewan, and I stated I needed to check on what they actually were, before I made a decision on buying them or not. It appears one side is for a w/w and the other a p/w., and they are both about 12"long x 10" h x 6" w. Thanks, Bill
Posts: 1278 | Location: British Columbia in Canada | Registered: May 19, 2008
2 splendid watchmakers advertising pieces Bill but I suspect brass plated pot metal from the looks of the chips and cracks, but spectacular nevertheless I think they are very scarce , and quite wonderful and wish they belonged to I only
Posts: 1746 | Location: Aylmer, Ontario in Canada | Registered: December 15, 2009
Yes they are striking !! I would tap/thump on them to make sure they are metal [plaster castings would have the same weight and today's applied finishes can be very deceptive]. If so, they appear to be what is called "spelter" instead of bronze or brass. Still nice find !!
regards, bb
Posts: 6376 | Location: Texas in the USA | Registered: July 27, 2009
Bill I remember such critters while playing in the store basement as a young fellow, most were a plaser cast but some were a bronze? brass? material. The object was to focus the customers attention to their watch or products. Mostly for window or wall case as they were to high for the standard show case. Quite a find since most were thrown out as lines changed and a dealer promoted new watch products.
Posts: 105 | Location: British Columbia in Canada | Registered: May 05, 2010
Thanks for all the comments, now I have to make my mind up as to but or not. I also had never seen these before, and although I don't have any Gruens thought it might be a couple of nice pieces. Thanks again for all the input, Bill
Posts: 1278 | Location: British Columbia in Canada | Registered: May 19, 2008
but I suspect brass plated pot metal from the looks of the chips and cracks, but spectacular nevertheless 
I think they are very scarce , and quite wonderful 
and wish they belonged to I only 
