Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Timepieces (107)

FREDONIA WATCH CO. Fredonia, New York 1881-1885

Chronology of the Development of Fredonia: Independent Watch Co. 1875 – 1881 Fredonia Watch Co. 1881 – 1885 Peoria Watch Co. 1885 - 1889

The company sold the finished movements acquired from the Independent Watch Co. Those movements had been made by other companies. The Fredonia Watch Company was sold to the Peoria Watch Co. in 1885, after having produced approximately 20,000 watches.

This example is Serial No. 665, which was among the first three months of production. The important high grade features are 1) The center pin stripe circle separating the minute track from the center section; and, 2) It is marked “ADJUSTED”, and 3) Full plate nickel! These three features indicate that Fredonia intended to enter the “Railroad Grade” Market and compete with the highest grades at the time. 18 size, Hunting Model, Lever set, No. 665, “ADJUSTED” around the balance, and “Fredonia Watch Co.”

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Circa: 1885. AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH Co. MOVEMENT GILT TIN 12 Size, Screw Off with solid Top and Back with Coin Edges on both sides for a better grip. Patented 1885 - 1894. Stored for over 50 years and now being released. I held these back because of their mint condition. Unused condition and completely authentic and original movement gilt tin to store the 12 size Waltham Movement securely. Salesman and merchants used these tins to protect movements from damage when transporting or storage. 44mm diameter and 17mm thick. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Rare early Movement Tin. AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH Co. 12 Size MOVEMENT TIN with STEM & CROWN 1870. Marked: AMERICAN WATCH CO. Exposition model with the original glass on both side for easy viewing. Early Waltham Salesman and Jewelers presented movements in these easy view tins to show dial and movement choices. Very rare because when closed you can wind the watch as if it was in its final watch case. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Rare movement tin. AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH Co. 16 Size MOVEMENT TIN with STEM & CROWN 1870. Marked: AMERICAN WATCH Co. Exposition model with the original glass on both side for easy viewing. Early Waltham Salesman and Jewelers presented movements in these easy view tins to show dial and movement choices. Very rare because when closed you can wind the watch as if it was in its final watch case. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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S.B. Champlin Company Providence, RI 1872 - 1934

The men's watch chain or "Vest Chain" is typically much scarcer than the pocket watch itself. This is because by 1915, the watch was retired to storage and the chain “discarded”, thrown away, or women converted them to bracelets. This fine men’s vest chain presented was produced by the Champlin Co. in 1896, inventoried, and was never sold to the trade or Jeweler for sale. It is therefore, in pristine, new but old stock condition! Can’t get any rarer or desirable! br>
A sharply angled, almost-triangular-plan 5-story brick industrial building, this was constructed by the S.B. Champlin Company (established 1872) to house its manufacturing of gold rings and gold-filled chains as well as provide rental space for other jewelry manufacturers, an own-and-rent practice then common in the jewelry industry and characteristic of neighboring contemporary buildings in the Jewelry District. The building was so successful that it was enlarged to the south in 1901; only a faintly visible seam marks the union of the two sections. In 1978, the building was converted to condominium use, the first of its type in the area, and retains mixed residential and commercial use.

Gold filled vest chains were originally produced with high gold content. True Gold-Filled vest chains are considered a solid karat gold with today's value per gram @ $3.22. This design has total weight of 15 grams. V. Rare. Vintage 18k Gold Filled Double pocket MULTI-COLORED Rose and White Gold Vest Chain with a Rope design marked S.B.C. & Co. (S.B. Champlin Co.) & T-Bar 1896 Providence, RI. NOS. Never used, sold or applied to a watch. Still has the original Sales Manufacturers tag. Vintage 18k Gold Filled Vest Chain & T-Bar 1896 S.B. Champlin Co. NOS (New, But OLD STOCK). Prestine original condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS.

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NATIONAL WATCH Co. Elgin, Ill. 1864 – 1874 One of the most predominant early American Watch producers. This watch was introduced for sale in 1870 and is an excellent example of what was available in the 1870s. This is the watch of the “Wild West”, because this manufacturer distributed watches all during the 1870s and carried by lawmen, saloon keepers, bankers, cowboys, Railroad men, and gunfighters. NATIONAL WATCH CO. was directly associated with the “Wild West” because that is what was available (400,000 produced and distributed by 1874), accurate and at a reasonable price.

Learning from the errors in production and mistakes in design, National Watch Co. was formed in 1864 by officers of the earlier Waltham Watch Co. Some of these Waltham organizers were P.S. Bartlett, D.G. Currier, Otis Hoyt, Charles H. Mason and others. The idea of beginning a large watch company for the mid-West was discussed by J.C. Adams, Bartlett, and Blake. After a trip to Waltham, Adams went back to Chicago and approached Benjamin W. Raymond, a former mayor of Chicago, to put up the necessary capital to get the company started. Adams and Raymond succeeded in getting others to pledge their financial support. The National Watch Co. was formed in August 1864 and incorporated in Elgin, Illinois. The factory was completed in 1866, and the 1st movement was a B.W. Raymond, 18 size! All watches were key wind and had porcelain dials marked: “NATIONAL WATCH Co.” Any dial that is marked this way is very scarce. They made history laid the foundations of the Industrial Revolution with production efficiencies and the ease of service by watch journeyman in the field.

They produced 400,000 watches by 1874. In 1874 they went out of business, refinanced, and incorporated with a Name change to the city to which they owed their origin, Elgin NATIONAL WATCH Co., Elgin, Illinois. They went on to produce 50 million watches, both wrist & pocket by 1955. NATIONAL WATCH CO. was directly associated with the “Wild West” because that is what was available for them to wear and use. Other choices were more expensive and not as serviceable and dependable in the American West.

The example presented here is Museum quality OEM with an absence of any wear or use. NATIONAL WATCH Co. Circa: 1870! 18 size, open face, key wind and key set, full plate gilt, 15 jewels, "W.H. Ferry", and "ELGIN, Ill", serial No. 93884. The white porcelain dial is marked: NATIONAL WATCH Co. The original coin silver hunting case is a double hinged back and bezel, key wind plain polished with fancy engraving on both sides. The dial, case, and movement are all original to one another and shows no wear or use at all. Remarkable! The chain is sterling silver and includes a T-Bar and proper winding key both to wind and set the time from the center post. Clean, running. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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AMERICAN W.Co.14k GOLD 18 Size Hunting Model 1879 FIRE COMMINISSIONER's Retirement watch; presented by his officers and men November 19, 1879. 18 size, hunting model, 15 jewels, lever set to change the time, "P.S. Bartlett" Model, Serial No. 1,159,844. The white porcelain dial is free of distraction and marked: AMERICAN WATCH CO. This original case is English marked with the English Lyon for the 14k gold American market in 1879. The case is beautifully engraved combining engine turning, flower designs, and the Mansion by the lake. Everything appears to have been produced "yesterday"; free of distraction or any wear. 129 Grams total weight. This watch was presented the same year it was produced. Unique and an important example of of Historic Fire Departments serving 142 years ago in the United States of America. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS.

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ROCKFORD WATCH CO. Rockford, Illinois 1873 – 1915 The Rockford Watch Company’s equipment was bought from the Cornell Watch Col, and two of Cornell’s employees, C.W. Parker and P.H. Wheeler, went to work for Rockford. The factory was located 93 miles from Chicago on the Rock River. The first watch was placed on the market on May 1, 1876. They were key wind, 18 size, full plate expansion balance and dials made by outside contract. By 1877 the company was making ¾ plate and nickel movements that fit standard steel cases. The factory was located on the Railroad lines and they always advertised the Railroad. The company had some problems in 1896, and the name changed to Rockford Watch Co Ltd. It closed in 1915.

This Rockford Key Wind is presented with a very rare original private label dial marked: "HARNER.SILVEN." 18 Size, Open Face, Key Wind & Dey Set, Full Plate Gilt, 11j, Serial No. 52,886. The first 12 months of production of the key wind watch. This is interesting because Rockford produced this watch in 1877 at a time when private labels were always offered. 1n the 1870s, HARNER Razors & Blades began merchandising Blades and Razors to the public and latter became famous. We think this private label has it's origin from the early days of this company as a marketing support adding prestige to their name in 1878.

Full plate gilt, 11j, key wind and key set marked: Rockford Watch Co., Rockford, Illinois, Serial No. 52886. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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ROCKFORD MODEL 3 Hunting Model 15 Jewels 1884 ALASKA solid SILVER Case. FPG, No. 228,547. Plain screw back and bezel massive case marked "ALASKA SILVER" on the inside back. The crystal is hard rock and extra thick (very scarce) and is original to this case. Very clean, running and impressive watch. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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S.B. Champlin Company Providence, RI 1872 - 1934

A sharply angled, almost-triangular-plan 5-story brick industrial building, this was constructed by the S.B. Champlin Company (established 1872) to house its manufacturing of gold rings and gold-filled chains as well as provide rental space for other jewelry manufacturers, an own-and-rent practice then common in the jewelry industry and characteristic of neighboring contemporary buildings in the Jewelry District. The building was so successful that it was enlarged to the south in 1901; only a faintly visible seam marks the union of the two sections. In 1978, the building was converted to condominium use, the first of its type in the area, and retains mixed residential and commercial use.

Four (5) styles imaged; you pick the one you want. Vintage STERLING SILVER VEST CHAIN with T-BAR NOS Never used complete with a T-Bar and original Sterling Silver I.D. Tag. The swivel is also marked: "Sterling". This is an offering of a single silver vest chain from approx. 1890. Never used or placed on a pocket watch bow. Extremely rare! Just removed from my personal collection after 45 years. Just view the images carefully, select one of the link styles and that will be the one we will ship. Imaged is an example of four (4) styles. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS BUY HARD ASSETS SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. Shipping. $58 Fedex overseas. Extremely rare. This is Sterling Silver, not nickel, coin silver! It is all original and has never been applied to the bow of any pocket watch! Vintage Pocket Watch Faub STERLING SILVER Nylon Ribbon C: 1890 NOS. Extremely rare American Pocket Watch accessery. Just removed from my personal collection of over 45 years. Never sold or applied to the bow of a pocket watch (it is important to note that the flat surface of the Faub charm itself is free of any initials). Still has the original tag marked "STERLING" and "S.B.& C. Co." THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS BUY HARD ASSETS SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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American WALTHAM 16 Size Hunting Model Movement only; FANCY DIAL 1892. 11j, "Wm ELLERY", Pendent Set, No. #5,875,135. Good Staff, complete, but needs service. Sold AS IS only. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET, BITCOIN, BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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UNITED STATES WATCH Co. Marion Watch Co. Marion New Jersey 1865 – 1877

The United States Watch Company was chartered in 1865, and the factory building was started in August 1865 and was completed in 1866. The first watch, called “The Frederic Atherton” was not put on the market until March, 1867. It was Americas first mass produced stem wind watch. The first Grade was 18s, 19 Jewels, full plate and a gilt finish movement. A distinctive feature of the company’s full plate movements was the butterfly shaped patented opening in the plate which allowed escapement inspection That same year a second grade called the “Fayette Stratton” was introduced. It was also a gilt finish, full plate movement. The year 1875 hit the watch industry the hardest; price cutting was predatory and the higher priced watches of the United States Watch Company was particularly vulnerable. The Centennial Exposition in 1876 was not enough to save the faltering company and they finally closed their doors in 1877. Only 60,000 watches were produced during the 10 years of their existence. They were the most expensive American pocket watches of their day!

The example presented here has the original silver case and is an rare early serial No. original Key Wind/Stem Wind conversion; Also, button set to change the time. C:1875. U.S. Watch Co. George Channing No. 3862 Original U.S.W.Co. Silver Double hinged back and bezel Case. Rare "Button Set" and key set and key winding. Full Plate Gilt, 15 Jewels, Marked "George Channing/Marion, N.J.", Serial No. 3862. The inside lid is marked with overlapping initials; Unite States Watch Co. The sterling silver vest chain is mint and includes a bow guard, button set and a winding key. Still clean, running and in remarkable condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE, DON'T INVEST IN BONDS or STOCKS. BUY HARD ASSETS PROVEN IN TIME.

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**Extremely scarce. PEORIA Watch Co. was Modified by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America; 18 size, Hunting Model, Lever Set, ADJUSTED, PALLIARD'S PATENT BALANCE & SPRING, No. 33,064. 15j 1898. Paillard's patent non-magnetic watches are uninfluenced by magnetism of electricity. And the balance has the non-magnetic inoxidizable compensation balance and hairspring. Original unsigned nickel salesman's sample presentation glass back. Clean, running and very scarce. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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AMERICAN WATCH Co. 6 Size Gilt Movement Tin Pat'd 1885-1892. Screw off, Patented dates on front and marked: "Pat'd Aug. 27.95" on the edge. This movement storage tin is in excellent condition and includes the original instructions for storage and shipping movements inside of the inside botton0m half. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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Circa: approx. 1880. ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO. MOVEMENT TIN 18 Size, Screw Off with solid Top and Back with Coin Edges on both sides for a better grip. Salesman and merchants used these tins to protect movements from damage when transporting or storage. 50mm diameter and 26mm thick. Edge marked: ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO. Factory new and never used! THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET or BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME. NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1974 with over 9800 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence. OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. FEDEX Shipping. $58 FEDEX overseas.

FREDONIA WATCH CO. Fredonia, New York 1881-1885 The company sold the finished movements acquired from the Independent Watch Co. Those movements had been made by other companies. The Fredonia Watch Company was sold to the Peoria Watch Co. in 1885, after having produced approximately 20,000 watches. Fredonia makes a official announcement that read as follows:

Extremely rare; costumed created just for a Canadian Jeweler. FEDONIA WATCH Co. Jewelers PRIVATE LABEL G.L. MC COY, OTTAWA, Ohio. Extremely Low Serial No. 2493. 15 jewels, Quick Beat", lever set, No. 2493, marked: G.L. Mccoy, Ottawa, O. Running Elk on a 20yr. Yellow Gold filled fancy original hunting case. Mint white porcelain single sunk dial marked: "G.L. Mc Coy/ Ottawa, O."

In 1885; S.S. Lavey the jeweler, has sold out to G.L. McCoy, of Ottawa, who has taken possession. During that year, he commissioned Fredonia to custom create his Jewelry Store on the plates. This is that surviving example. In 1886, On account of the illness of his daughter GL. McCoy has sold his jewelry store and moved to Los Angeles, Ca. and opened a new Jewelry store.

This watch is clean, running and seems to keep time. However, still we have to offer it on a as is condition. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HARD ASSETS, SOMETHING PROVEN IN TIME.

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FREDONIA WATCH CO. Fredonia, New York 1881-1885 The company sold the finished movements acquired from the Independent Watch Co. Those movements had been made by other companies. The Fredonia Watch Company was sold to the Peoria Watch Co. in 1885, after having produced approximately 20,000 watches.

Extremely rare early RR Model. FREDONIA W. Co. Fredonia, N.Y. Circa: 1881 (1st Yr. of production) 24 HOUR RAILROAD DIAL Serial No. 98. Intended for use on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Extremely Rare and all original. The mint 24 hour dial signed FREDONIA, N.Y. and features both the 24 hours and the Fleur-de-Lis black hands ('flower' and 'lily' respectively). Cased in a nickel display case. Very clean running. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS.

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Used for Hampden Railway Series in 18 size. Hunting Model. This features fancy Arabic figures with a signature script. Hunting Model. Never applied to a movement. Original Factory Stock. Very nice. Hairline free. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN BONDS or STOCKS. BUY HARD ASSETS PROVEN IN TIME. NOTE: We have been selling vintage watches on E-Bay since 1998 as watchco1974 with over 9800 vintage watch sales and 100% positive feedbacks. You can buy from us with confidence. OTHER NICE FEATURES: Free U.S. Shipping. $58 Fedex overseas.