That log dial is unbelievably beautiful! I saw one like it in pictures once. That dial is on a level all its own! I might even bookmark this page so I can return and drool from time to time. I didn't even mention those unique hands! What a watch!
I wonder if Columbus made that dial for the Woodmen of the World organization? Mike
Posts: 803 | Location: Knoxville, Tennessee in the USA | Registered: September 02, 2009
Nice watch Eric, I also agree that the dial is fantastic. I would think it was a WOW dial, Elgin made some that look just like that & some where I saw an ad once that they were for the WOW.
Tom
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007
This is the lead off picture of some of my columbus pieces from a historical bit linking the evolution of Columbus Watch Co. to South Bend Watch Co. that I posted at;
Have a Columbus Hunter, I finally found the missing regulator (they tended to break I think) and I need to send it in for clean/oil but the private label double sunk dial is near mint.
Posts: 1797 | Location: Michigan in the USA | Registered: September 19, 2009
I think C.H. Thompson was a businessman in Michigan at least that is something I think I dug up at one time. The serial number is 178280 and it is marked adjusted and safety pinion along with Columbus Watch Co., Columbus Ohio. That would put it around 1891-92 and I think it is grade 34, 15J movement if my memory is correct. And from the RR guide book it was RR approved which most decent 15j adjusted watches were. It has a very nice brass case, it's not gold but as you can see it has shine on the inside so I am not quite sure what it is. It isn't worn out because the detail is nearly unharmed with age/wear so the watch does not look like it was abused over the years but during servicing someone took the regulator spring off and did not put it back or even put the two screws back so I had to track the spring and the screws down.
Posts: 1797 | Location: Michigan in the USA | Registered: September 19, 2009
If you are interested, you watch is from C. Herbert Thompson, according to the 1900 census for Marshall, Calhoun Michigan he was born in March of 1848. His wife (Cornelia) & son (Herbert E.) were living with him along with his 30 year old brother-in-law Floyd Bassett. Both CH & Floyd were listed as jewelers.
1883 C. Herbert Thompson bought the vacant lot near the old post office and built a two-story brick building. Mr. Thompson was a watchmaker and jeweler.
Sights and scenes along the Michigan Central Line
C. Herbert Thompson is a jeweler, born and bred. He has been associated with the business all his life. Born in 1848, he has lived in Marshall since 1860, and has been very successful in his undertakings.
Had another son, Louis B. Thompson who was an engraver.
Tom
Posts: 5107 | Location: New Mexico in the USA | Registered: January 27, 2007
I guess it makes sense that he was a jeweler and probably sold some watches with his own business logo. I have not seen any other watches with the same labeling, it is a nice watch and needs to be cleaned/oiled, it does run but who knows how long it has been since the last service. Thanks I will print that out and put it with the watch for the future.
Posts: 1797 | Location: Michigan in the USA | Registered: September 19, 2009
Uncommon Private Label movement. The dial that came with the watch is just a typical fancy style Columbus dial. The case, which looks original, is sterling silver.