I'm hoping that someone will intertain a few questions from a total novice.

What have I got here?
Does it look correct?
What are the tiny inscriptions on the inside of the back of the case?

Any help would be appreciated.

Trouble posting picture. I'll keep trying

Picture of movement number C57755

Back of case

Inside of case back number 1346502

Detail of one of the inscriptions inside case

This was one of the pocket watches (I believe the last one) that my grandfather owned. After WWI, after being rendered color blind by mustard gas he could no longer be a house painter because he said that he saw everything in reddish-brown. He took a job as a mail sorter for the Postal Service on the Union Pacific railroad.

His job was to get on the train and sort mail in the mail car between Omaha and Cheyenne Wyoming. At certain time intervals along the trip he would swing an arm out from the train that would snatch a bag of mail from the siding without slowing the train. Obviously this demanded precise timing and consequently, a good watch.

I hope this makes it a little more interesting.

Bill Westbrook

Hi Bill
Its always great to have the history of the previous owner. Great story. I don't know how fast the trains went but sure sounds like you could end up with a broken arm.
I think you mean a mechanical arm but whew I would wanna stand back.

Gary

The use of a RR Grade watch to time "on the fly" RR Postal pickups is certainly unique and practical addition to the list of all the reasons RR people needed good watches. I totally agree with Lindell Your watch is not only a fine and original piece, but for you it can still serve to keep you "on time" with RR accuracy with one of the "Pinnacle" movements of US-Made watch Making.