Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (110)

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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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!

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 Slider design has total weight of 14 grams. Vintage 18k Gold Filled Vest Chain with a Nautical Theme Rope Knot linked & T-Bar 1896 S.B. Champlin Co., 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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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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NEW YORK WATCH Co. Providence, Rhode Island 1866-1875

In 1866 the name of this company was changed from the Mozart Watch Co. to the New York Watch Co. and was located in Rhode Island. Before any watches has been sold, they moved to Springfield, Mass. In 1867. A factory was built there, but only about 100 watches were produced before a fire occurred on April 23, 1870. Shortly after the fire, in 1870, a newly designed watch was introduced. The doors closed in the summer of 1876. In January 1877, the Hampden Watch Co. was organized and commenced active operation in June 1877.

Very scarce example of this company. Comes with the original sterling silver vest chain with T-Bar! NEW YORK WATCH Co. Theo. E. Studley 18 Size 15j Key Wind #19754 1870. All original Coin Silver 4oz. Silver Hunting Case. Not personalized. Only 100 made in Springfield, Mass. No hairlines on the original single sunken white porcelain dial marked: NEW YORK WATCH Co. Heavy beveled original crystal. Tiny patch under sub. seconds circle does not distract. Clean, running, very scarce, and all original!! 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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HAMPDEN 16 Size OF Roman Dial w/Center Section Separation Pin Stripe. This is a Hampden Factory NOS Dial never used or applied to a movement. Fine Script Signature. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN BONDS or STOCKS. BUY HARD ASSETS PROVEN IN TIME.

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ELGIN 14k GOLD BOX HINGED HUNTING CASE 6 Size : C: 1881. 6 size, hunting model, lever set, 7 jewels, Serial No. 917,628. Mint porcelain dial. Case marked: BLAUER/14k". All original and in like new pristine condition; free of distraction. As if 140 years didn't happen! Personalized dust cover, but the crest on top is free of initials. Clean, running and accurate. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS. 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.

This dial has been inventoried for 130 years. Uncirculated and never installed on a watch. This is an extremely rare offering. SETH THOMAS BOLD ROMAN DIAL 3 Ft. Open Face Model Cira: 1890. 45mm diameter. Three Feet, produced for the Seth Thomas Open Face. 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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Rare 24-HOUR RR Grade original authentic new/but old stock Dial. This dial has been inventoried for 130 years. Uncirculated and never installed on a watch. This is an extremely rare offering. SETH THOMAS 24-HOURS center with ROMAN figures. 2 Foot Hunting Model NOS Circa: 1890. 45mm diameter. Two Feet, produced for the Seth Thomas Hunting Model. 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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J.P. STEVENS & Co. J.P. STEVENS & BRO. J.P. STEVENS WATCH Co. Atlanta, Georgia 1882-1887 In mid-1881 J.P. Stevens bought part of the Springfield Watch co. of Massachusetts; and some unfinished watch components from E.F. Bowman. He set up his watchmaking firm above his jewelry store in Atlanta, Ga. And started to produce the Bowman unfinished watches which were 16 size and various 18 size watches, to which was added the “Stevens Patent Regulator.” This regulator is best described as a simple disc attached to the plate which has an eccentric groove cut for the arm of the regulator to move in. This regulator is a prominent feature of the J.P. Stevens plate with damascening. The pallets were equidistant locking and needed greater accuracy in manufacturing. About 50 of these watches were made. The pallet and fork are made of one-piece aluminum. The aluminum was combined with 1/10 copper and formed an exceedingly tough metal which will not rust or become magnetized. The lever of this watch is only one-third the weight of a steel lever. The aluminum lever affords the lease possible resistance for overcoming inertia in transmitting power from the escape wheel to the balance. In 1884, the company was turning out about ten watches a day at a price of $20 to $100 each. In the spring of 1887, the company failed. Only 169 true Stevens watches were made, but other watches carried the J.P. Stevens name.

This example is a J.P. Stevens AURORA NEW MODEL, 18 size, hunting model, Full Plate Nickel plates, lever set, marked: J.P. Stevens & Bro. ATLANTA, GA., serial No. 141,717, 15 jewels. The nickel plates are in excellent condition, free of distractions. The case is a very fancy yellow gold filled hunting case free of initials and closes tight. Very nice. This watch is running, but when placed upside down, it stops. Therefore, we are offering this rare watch on a "as is" basis.

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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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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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This dial has been inventoried for 130 years. Uncirculated and never installed on a watch. This is an extremely rare offering. SETH THOMAS ROMAN DIAL 2 Ft. Hunting Model NOS 1890. 45mm diameter. Two Feet, produced for the Seth Thomas Hunting Model. 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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This same tin is also available in 16 size also. Please specify when checking out. Circa: 1878. AMERICAN WALTHAM WATCH Co. MOVEMENT GILT TIN 18 Size, Screw Off with solid Top and Back with Coin Edges on both sides for a better grip. Patented 1878 - 1888. 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 18 size Waltham Movement securely. Salesman and merchants used these tins to protect movements from damage when transporting or storage. 50mm diameter and 19mm 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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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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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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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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ROCKFORD 21j 540 Hunting Bridge Model Orig. Salesmans Sample 1898. Rare. Single STAR Rarity in the historic price guides, Lever set, three (3) finger nickel bridge model, "Butler" finished plates, Adjusted, 14k gold center wheel, marked "540", serial No. 624,653. The nickel glass back is a rare original Rockford produced salesman's sample display case featuring beaded edges on both sides. The original double sunk high grade RR dial has hairline clusters at edge of 11 & 5. Clean, running and still very accurate. 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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