I found this ad in an Auburndale, Mass. church pamphlet, dated 1898.
Brian C.

Let me at em!!!!!!!!!

That $7 adjusted for inflation would be about $205 today. I suspect you can buy a 7 jewel silver Waltham for about that price right now. Unless you kept them in a sealed box, it would not have been a good investment.

I don't think it can be done today, but 25-30 years ago, I was able to buy a number of 7J Walthams and Elgins in coin silver cases for the $10-15 range. With the internet, those days are gone forever.

Tom

Tom,

I'm getting a different number from the inflation calculator. In 2005 dollars it says $155.09. Happily, that supports your assertion that it would not have been such a great investment then.

- Greg

Greg, I will need to switch my link to your calculator. Mine did not go back that far, so I extrapolated (with my limited mental capacity).

I would think they were refering to new watches that they bought in a bulk buy and being in solid silver cases I suspect them to be 18 size and at least a 16 size which if you put up in a safe untouched would not be that bad of an investment. Just my thoughts