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Ball Model B of LE Case "Click" to Login or Register 
IHC Life Member
Picture of Robert V. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 10:15
Ok I need experts to tune in. DO you think this is authentic BLE case or something that was made up over the years???

 
Posts: 3468 | Location: Cleveland, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: February 03, 2006
IHC Life Member
Picture of Robert V. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 10:16
Ball marking

 
Posts: 3468 | Location: Cleveland, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: February 03, 2006
IHC Member 1369
posted February 29, 2012 10:37
Robert, I am far from being an expert but I would take it that those are just someones initials that coincidentally happen to be BLE.
 
Posts: 542 | Location: Ontario in Canada | Registered: February 10, 2010
IHC Life Member
Picture of Robert V. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 10:40
Well I thought that at first but it has OF in the center.
 
Posts: 3468 | Location: Cleveland, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: February 03, 2006
posted February 29, 2012 10:44
Rob-

It looks original to me. If it were done years after, the engraving would be sharp everywhere. You can see the engraving has rounded edges on it. Also, it looks like they did some etching between the main outside lines of the lettering that is all but worn off now. another sign that it was probably done a long time ago. I doubt an imposter would go to the lengths of adding extra engraving in the middle of the lettering and then just wear it off. Also, not to beat up Ralph, but I can see the OF around the L on it, which would indicate B of LE, so I doubt it is anybody's initials.
 
Posts: 1626 | Location: North Dakota in the USA | Registered: December 09, 2009
Picture of Richard Romero
posted February 29, 2012 12:46
I’m not an expert but I also think it’s an original engraving to the case.

1. The B of LE logo is the same as found on movements, dials, and other memorabilia related to the Brotherhood. This information can be found by doing a search for B of LE.
2. The case back pattern was originally designed for a large engraving. The border circling the B of LE leaves the engine turning on the outside with a smooth surface in the center for the engraving. If the case wasn’t intended to have such a large engraving it would either have a small circle, shield or something not as large in the center and probably no border.
3. The wear on the B of LE looks the same as the other details on the case. The left side of the E and the center loops of the L wear look about the same as the engine turning on the case radius from the frame to back.
RR
 
Posts: 1413 | Location: Fremont, California in the USA | Registered: February 06, 2010
IHC Life Member
Picture of Richard M. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 15:33
Rob I agree with Jared and Richard, the wear on the case and the engraving seem to match nicely and it just looks right.


Deacon
 
Posts: 1004 | Location: Omaha, Nebraska in the USA | Registered: February 14, 2009
IHC Life Member
Picture of Robert V. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 15:58
Well Thanks everyone I just didnt want to list it as one and get a bunch of drama over it from some of the instant experts on Ebay.
 
Posts: 3468 | Location: Cleveland, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: February 03, 2006
IHC Vice President
Pitfalls Moderator
IHC Life Member
Picture of Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
posted February 29, 2012 17:02
I'll back up Richard's opinion. It looks contemporary to the case.


Best Regards,

Ed
 
Posts: 6696 | Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: April 19, 2004
posted February 29, 2012 17:14
I think you need to send it to me for "closer" inspection Rob...... lol
 
Posts: 311 | Location: New Jersey in the USA | Registered: February 13, 2011
IHC Life Member
Picture of Richard M. Jones
posted February 29, 2012 20:40
I am proud of my 100% on Ebay but when you get offered $300 for a Beautiful Father Time indicator that is 98% and then get called names for not jumping at the wonderful offer you do feel a bit of resentment. My personal favorite is the large number of solid gold cases that are NOT! Maybe this should be another thread!


Deacon
 
Posts: 1004 | Location: Omaha, Nebraska in the USA | Registered: February 14, 2009
posted February 29, 2012 21:54
Here is another Brotherhood case. I would suggest that that there are several different Brotherhood designs on watch case backs - all valid. The "of" on Rob's case pretty much cinches it for me.

Weren't there different watch fob logos designed by the various Brotherhoods, as well?

 
Posts: 803 | Location: Knoxville, Tennessee in the USA | Registered: September 02, 2009
IHC Life Member
Picture of Robert V. Jones
posted March 07, 2012 22:36
Just a heads up I just listed this case with no reserve if anyone is interested. Big Grin
 
Posts: 3468 | Location: Cleveland, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: February 03, 2006
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