Hi there! I'd be really grateful for a bit of help with this private label. I've tried to track down C C Will & Co of Pittsburgh via the web but with no luck on this side of the pond. I assume that he was a jeweller (sorry for the English spelling)but that's a guess. Also any other information about this particular watch which is a joy to behold and keeps cracking time!

Another

And another

Lastly and thanks in advance!!

Keith,
Thats quite a handsome watch
The 936 grade watches were the RR dream watch of the times.
C.C. Will & Co. of Pittsburg, Pa. was probably a jeweler firm from the mid 1890's. Also an E.H. Will from Pitt.Pa. was a RR watch inspector for the B&O RR in 1903.
We have many on site that will get back with you on that firm. I just wanted to say what a splendid watch you have and thanks for sharing it

Regards,
bb

Appears to have been a jeweler and land owner in the 1890's. Here is a page from the jewelers circular where he moved into his new place on smithfield street.

Ray

That is him, I was looking too.

He was Charles C. Will born about 1842 in Wisconsin. In 1870 he is listed as a jeweler in Pittsburgh. I also found him in the 1899 Pittsburgh city directory. By 1920 him & his wife had located to Ohio & were living in Columbus.

In 1892 his address was 417 Smithfield.

Keith, when I get home this evening I will post further.

Tom

Keith

This image is from the 1899 City Directory for Pittsburgh, this page is from the alphabetical listing of people living their.

You will notice that Edward H. Will that Buster mentioned as being a railroad watch inspector is also listed, he must be the & Company in the business name.

This is from the same directory but the listing under Jewelers

It look like his full name was Charles Christopher Will. In 1860 he was living with his parents in Chicago at the age of 19 & was listed as a watchmaker.

He is listed passing away August 27, 1927 un Columbus Oh.

This is listed as a photo of him

If you are interested the Edward H. Will of the business was born Oct 1868 in Pa. according to the 1900 census for Pittsburgh & he was listed as a jeweler.

Tom

WOW!
Don't really know where to start with my thanks. I hoped that I would find that there was such a jeweller In Pittsburgh but to get such detail and even a picture of the man himself is incredible! Huge thanks to you all for your time and expertise. I like to keep detailed notes on all of my watches and this is now really special.

Keith

If you would like I can email you the census records & city directory pages.

Tom

Tom - yes please, that would be great. Also, I used to use a look up table on Hamiltons on the web. Just put the serial number in, and it came up with the details. Can't seem to access this now. Has something happened?

Keith

Records are on the way to you.

Tom

Debbie

Many thanks for the guide to these sites.

By the way, are fees due on anniversary of joining or does it just go by calendar year?

And hope that you are having a great Independence Day!

Best Wishes

Keith