How would one know if a timepiece in hand is a 20s? I ask because I recently traded a (known) 18s model '83 P.S. Bartlett for another model 1883 P.S. Bartlett that is significantly larger. The fat book does not list a 20s model '83. Anyone?
Thx,
kh

LoL -

Pictures or serial #s to support your question might help, eh?



Here are 2 - 18sz 1883 models

I'll follow my own question up by giving the serial #6538393, which indicates an 18s. Although this particular A.T. & Co. timepiece is really large - that is, much larger than any (other) 18s I have, with some larger than average, the movement size is not larger.
kh

The case on the left in the picture is a 5 or 6 ounce hog that dwarfs a standard 2 ounce case... Therefore, same movements - just different 18sz cases...

Alright, Jon, not a fancy dial version like yours, but it is sweet, if a hog can be that. The trade was a wrong crown, common M'83 P.S. Bartlett for an M'83 A.T.& Co. in fine condition, plus a little cash.
Winner: the hog!

Some 20s cases passed through my collection with 18s movements installed in them that was facilitated with a thin adapter ring between the case I.D. and the movement plates.

That said, I have no knowledge of any Waltham model 1883 made with 20s plates.

Weren't these also called 'Goliath' cases that fit inside special clock type boxes for side table use?

Regards! Mark

Ken, I may be confused by your question but American watches are usually referred to by the movement size. The case has nothing to do with it. Therefore an 18 size watch is an 18 size watch even if the case is the size of a dinner plate. There are some early 20 size American watches but no 1883 Walthams to my knowledge. Of course the general statement that American watches are referred to by movement size would not apply to colonial era watches or handmade watches that are in effect one off pieces. Just to complicate things Edward Howard used and alphabet system-N,L,G etc. so those watches are referred to by their letter designation.

Thanks guys. Only after I wrote the first note did I realize that watch size follows the movement, not the case size.
I had a larger-than-average case in the collection that is dwarfed by this A.T.& Co. silveroid-cased watch.
I have never seen a 20s movement watch, but I can't imagine it being larger than the cased timepiece I just traded for.
kh