February 24, 2015, 12:41
Gary E. CochranWaltham question: Foggs Patent Pinions
What year did Waltham start using Foggs patent pinions???
February 24, 2015, 13:02
David AbbeFogg's Patent safety pinion (46,343 February 14, 1865) was shared with Elgin by Waltham and became part of the basis for the homogeneity that gave Waltham/Elgin primary control of the distributed watch movement market through the early 20th century.
The Waltham site mentions;
"American Watch Co. Grade KW16 is fitted with Fogg's patent vibrating hairspring stud . . . The serial number is 125,466 (ordered to production August, 1864).
The next major development in the 3/4 plate designs was a rearrangement of the pillars, the addition of Fogg's patent center pinion and a simplified winding click. These watches were produced in nickel finish as well as gilt."
This suggests the Fogg's Patent pinion entered the scene somewhere in late 1864 - Early 1865. Before that American Waltham) Watch Co. used a Fitt's patent pinion.
February 24, 2015, 17:04
Gary E. CochranThanks Dave..I am working on a 1862c. Waltham and it had a safety pinion on the center wheel. I didn't think it was right but I wasn't sure...I guess somewhere in its long life someone had replaced the center wheel...Thanks again...
February 24, 2015, 19:52
David AbbeActually most safety pinions used from 1870(ish) on were Fogg's Patent type but simply marked "Patent Pinion" until (finally) that was dropped as well.