I just want to say, as a new member and VERY inexperienced watch collector , that this forum is the most amazing resource and community. I have already learned so much, and received considerable help. And it is much nicer buying watches from folks here than on eBay!
I am from the UK and find the American railroad watches to be amazing pieces of mechanical engineering as well as, in most cases, amazingly beautiful. I really wish I had got into collecting them earlier (like around 1900!)
Hopefully I have not made TOO many mistakes in my purchases so far. I am finding it almost as fascinating buying the vintage tools as the vintage watches too! I do cowboy action shooting competitions too, and the other old timers are always fascinated by the period watches I add to my costume!
Thanks to all with whom I have had contact so far - you guys rock.
Bob Walder
Posts: 152 | Location: Austin, Texas USA | Registered: February 18, 2016
Welcome indeed, Bob . . . and as a cowboy action shooter, all the more welcome. The world was a much nicer place with cowboys and watchmakers as the go-to folks in the community. Now people that like guns and watches are looked upon by our pop-culture generation of entertainment addicted people as some archaic relics of a barberous past. In my 76th year now, I must confess that I am not so much enamoured with the future, as I am deeply appreciative for our admirable past. Great to have you with us, and a long ride for IHC185.
Clark Reed
Posts: 531 | Location: Anderson, South Carolina in the USA | Registered: April 09, 2013
Bob the cowboy action shooting fascinates me! Many years ago I competed in a few small ones. My favorite rifle was a Winchester Model 1873 38-40 caliber. Wish I still had it. The watches would add a lot to your dress.
Regards Roger
Posts: 4093 | Location: Carbon, Texas in the USA | Registered: January 24, 2010
Your cowboy action shooting story brings me WAY back to when I was a young boy and played in homemade civil war movies. I can still remember taking a 30/30 shell full of powder and pouring it down the barrel, and then packing paper down the barrel with the ramrod, putting the cap under the hammer and (BOOM!!) as the fire came out of the end of the barrel! Great memories!!
You will find great people here, who are more than happy to answer any and all of questions!
Regards, Larry
Posts: 2733 | Location: Northeastern United States | Registered: February 28, 2010
Thanks guys. I shoot a Winchester 1873, a pair of beautiful engraved Colt SAA 1873 pistols and a good old side-by-side 18" barrel coach gun! And I usually carry my Waltham 1883 watch, which was manufactured in 1897 and is thus the closest in age to the guns I am shooting. Of course, if anyone has a really nice watch made in 1873 or earlier....
Bob Walder
Posts: 152 | Location: Austin, Texas USA | Registered: February 18, 2016
Impressive Bob. I wish there were competitions near me,not that I would compete, but would like to attend. Can't help you on the watch as the oldest I have is a Elgin-Raymond-1880 and a Waltham Model 1857 made in 1876. Keep on Target Bob!
Roger
Posts: 4093 | Location: Carbon, Texas in the USA | Registered: January 24, 2010
Well Roger I guess y'all are about 3 hours from me pardner.... (hawk...spit....clang....) so head on down here one weekend (3rd Saturday of any month) and you can come shooting with the Tejas Caballeros (hawk...spit...clanngggg).
Seriously.... do it... it's good fun!
Bob Walder
Posts: 152 | Location: Austin, Texas USA | Registered: February 18, 2016
I came to California from Indiana a ways back but I didn't carry with me the severity of twang that was spoken by you Texans! HERE'S a little something for you!
