Hello Everyone,

An associate presented me with a challenge today. He has had in his possession a 6s Seth Thomas and two very small pin type watches. One is labeled Jowissa, the other has no markings I can detect. These were found in the aftermath of a house fire in Elizabeth NJ, twenty some odd years ago. The owner did not survive. My charge is to get these items into the hands of the appropriate collector. Presumably, my associate would expect some sort of payment, but nothing was discussed. I will post some poorly taken photos unless someone instructs me to do otherwise. Thanks Mike Penson P.S. If anyone prefers telephone, please email me at Bratdaddy@mac.com to arrange this.

Mike, why not put them up for auction on 185 and donate 1/2 of the proceeds to our IHC 185. They are all nice little "gifty" type pieces if they can be persuaded to run.

Dave, I would not hesitate to do that. Let me ask the owner what he needs to walk away. I would be thrilled to break even and let 185 enjoy the spoils. If he goes for this, are you volunteering to make an assessment? Please contact me at Bratdaddy@mac.com

I neglected to mention the Jowissa is running. And here is a pic of the Seth movement.

Whoops!

Everybody loves Seth. No glass, couple of hairlines. Somehow the hands look ok. And it still latches. Same with the back. Great crown,bow and neck. Watch doesn't wind, but the crown turns the hands quite freely.

The mystery watch pin. The case seems to be unscathed by the fire. This is not running, but seems to be wound tight. I just noticed under the seconds bit, SWISS.

And the Jowissa. It has surprising heft for something so small, about the size of the pin watch. It sets and winds easily, takes off without any coaxing. Hard to believe after having a house fall on it. My apologies for the lousy pics. I let my camera battery discharge and this point and shoot I'm using is giving me fits.

It would be better to ask your friend what they think ballpark. The three together would net about $60.00 - $80.00 total in an auction if sold separately, unless the Juwissa had a solid gold case or someting. If the Seth was bigger it might bring more, but it is a 6 size model 15 or 16 and those are hard to do anything with.

I think he's going to go for it on your suggested terms. I told him to sleep on it. Cool news otherwise, I bought a bunch of non-runners from a midwest collector. A few runners got by, including a 14S Elgin. I bet you know a bit about them.Search Results For "1567963"

Serial Number SN Range Quanty Name Year grade size code jewels Adj/reg/etc.
-------------- -------- ------ ---- ---- ----- ---- ------ ------ ------------
1567963 1560001 10000 1883 92* 16s h3g3l 11j


grade total runs first yr last yr class size code jewels Adj/name
----- ----- ----- -------- ------- ----- ---- ------ ------ ----------
92 150000 51 1881 1895 26 16s h3g3l 11j

(*) notes on grade 92: # Elgin MCs say a few were 14s


Class 26: 16s HC 3/4 lever model 3
92 150000 made 11j gilded Elgin MCs say a few were 14s
114 114000 made 7j gilded
127 14000 made 11j
135 6000 made 15j gilded single plate or train&barrel bridges?
136 7000 made 15j single plate or train&barrel bridges?