January 18, 2009, 20:37
David AbbeRockford Private label
My Elgin Newhall dates to the mid 1870s so we are both lucky to have a piece of that History timeline.
AGAIN, what a nice thought to make a 100 year "Historical walk across North America in time with the Watchmakers who got us there".
I think I could do some writing on that if we all collected our wits, submitted pictures of our "private Label" and "Coommerative" watches and agreed to champion what would be a "fun tale to tell" through a trip across America through short tales of each significant watch!
I think most adults enjoy memorable watches as much as they enjoy a well trauined pet. So if the "dog whisperer" can sell a millionh copies in first print, why not the same for a "Watch whisperer of time".
January 19, 2009, 00:02
Tom BrownDavid
Here is a little interesting info on our watches. SC Newhall was Stephen Cyrus Newhall, his father was Nathaniel Cyrus Newhall & Stephen also had a brother William Fred Newhall. Nathaniel was a clockmaker, & Stephen & William are both listed as jewelers. In the below copy of the city directory for Lynn, William is listed as a clerk at Stephen's store.
Tom
January 19, 2009, 21:54
Steve GossardHere is an Illinois private label that always had me puzzled. The name on the dial is Jacob Ramser, of Rock Island, Illinois...
January 19, 2009, 21:56
Steve GossardBut the name on the movement is H. D. Folsom, also of Rock Island. I sent an inquiry to the Answer Box a while back and they said they were sure the dial had been replaced at some time. What do you think?
January 19, 2009, 21:58
Steve GossardHere is a Rockford private label with the name Bellows, of Stoneham, Mass. on the dial. OOps, this dial belongs to the movement above.
January 19, 2009, 21:59
Steve GossardHow can a person get so muddled up? That's what I would like to know. Here is the Illinois dial.
January 19, 2009, 22:01
Steve GossardDon't tell my wife I did this. It would confirm all of her suspicions. Here is the Folsom name on the movement:
January 19, 2009, 22:04
Steve GossardHere is a private lable Waltham wristwatch with the name somewhat obscure. Looks Like W. G. Slade, Urbana, Ill.
January 19, 2009, 22:06
Steve GossardFinally, here is a Fredonia with the name Brauns Bros., Upper Sandusky, N. Y. on the dial and movement.
January 19, 2009, 22:08
Steve GossardHere is the movement. It interests me because Fredonia is the godfather of the Peoria company.
January 19, 2009, 22:09
Steve GossardIt has an unusual hinged case, too.
January 19, 2009, 22:19
Steve GossardJust one more... a Rockford 18s with the name E. P. Durando & Co. of Chattanooga, Tennessee on the dial.
January 19, 2009, 22:21
Steve GossardNo I.D. on the movement. Just Rockford Watch Co., but kind of unusual because it is marked Adjusted to Heat and Cold.
January 19, 2009, 22:25
David AbbeWhen this sorta scruffy "Monkey Wards/Sears Special came in I had to admit someone had a sense of humor.
January 20, 2009, 00:07
Tom BrownSteve
On your Rock Island watch, the two watchmakers were even on the same street at the same time.
January 20, 2009, 08:56
Tom BrownSteve
Your Brauns is actually Upper Sandusky, Ohio I believe & it appears the brothers were Edward & Paul Brauns.
The Durando was a Edward P. Durando in Tn.
Tom
January 20, 2009, 15:19
Steve GossardYou guys are really a fountain of information. Thanks again!