Catalog: Antiques: Instruments and Implements (109)

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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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. Total weight is 9 grams.

Vintage 18k Gold Filled Vest Chains 1896 S.B. Champlin Co., Providence, RI. NOS. Never used, sold or applied to a watch. All chains still has the original Sales Manufacturers tags. Vintage 18k Gold Filled Vest Chains 1896 S.B. Champlin Co. NOS. All Prestine original condition. Please view the chain inventory and make a selection. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DON'T INVEST IN THE STOCK MARKET OR BONDS. BUY HISTORIC AND COLLECTIBLE HARD ASSETS.

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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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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! These chains are among uncirculated inventory that the Champlin Co. never sold to the trade in 1896. Never known to exist until I began to release them from my personal collection.

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 NOS chain weighs 9 grams.

This is one example of many chains never used, sold or applied to a watch. Please view the images of this chain selection inventory with the attached images provided. Length varies from 9 - 14 inches. Still has the original Sales Manufacturers tag on each of them. Vintage 18k Gold Filled Vest Chain & T-Bar 1896 S.B. Champlin Co., Providence, RI. NOS. 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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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.

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. 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 DIAL 18 Size Hunting Model New/Old Stock Dial Circa: 1890. Two feet, produced for the Seth Thomas Hunting Model. 45.5MM diameter. 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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Very scarce Key Wind and Key Set from the rear. 3/4 Plate gilt, 7j, #44,488 (Low Number). The case is in especially wonderful condition, free of any distraction. The original dial has some hairlines at the sub. seconds circle, which does not distract. Clean, running and very nice. LANCASTER W. Co. New Era Mint original 3oz. Coin Silver Open Face Case Pre-Hamilton. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE, DON'T INVEST IN BONDS or STOCKS. BUY HARD ASSETS PROVEN IN TIME.

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This is a rare Masonic customed dial placed on a very early Pre-Columbus 1/2 bridge Two-Tone plates, 16 Ruby Jewels, Lever Set, no signature or serial No. The Masonic "Delta Tau Delta" multi-colored dial was customized for an individual. hairlines ar 4 does not distract. The nickel snap back and bezel coin edged case has the original beveled crystals and is in excellent condition. It is American, and the circa: is about 1882. This rare Masonic variation is clean, running and presents itself in a quite unique way. The original buyer looking for the very best! 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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ILLINOIS 18 Size Railroad Hands Bold Blued OWM Unused Factory 1905. These hands will be removed from the original Factory Card. never used. Intended for Illinois 18 size Railroad Grades. Reg. U.S. Pat. Office Depose + Swisse; Made in Switzerland for the 18 Size Illinois Watch Co. Railroad Grades. 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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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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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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HAMPDEN 18s RAILWAIY SPECIAL PORCELAIN RR Porcelain Dial NOS. Double sunk Dial. Just removed from Hampden dial factory RR inventory. Never used. Associated with the Hampden Railroad series; Railway and 23j Railway Special. Perfect condition. Hunting Model Dial. 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 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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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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**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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Circa: approx. 1880. Very Rare ROCKFORD 16 size movement presentation Tin. Marked "ROCKFORD WATCH CO. ROCKFORD ILL/Patd May 14, 1907". NOS never used. 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 with the original glass on both sides. 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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John W. Wainwright; Presentation in 1886 by his Mother & Father. Rare 1872 Model in the original Multi-Colored hunting case with presentation dated in 1886. What's especially interesting is the image of the daughter, permanently fired on the inside surface of the front lid; all dressed up in her finest. The multi-colored solid gold case also features a Gold Harp on the back and a bow of flowers on the front. Rare. All completely original, clean, running and accurate. 16 size, 16 jewels, lever set, 5/4 plate nickel jeweled center wheel & Jewel setting, ADJUSTED, Serial No. 1,833,521. 134 Grams total weight. 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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