Casemaking techniques: information sought

[Oliver Mundy]

I have recently been contacted by a Dutch goldsmith who is would like to revive the 18th- and 19th-century techniques of making and decorating watch cases, and who is looking for sources of information on the skills, methods and tools involved. I have told him about Priestley's Watch Case Makers, which includes a brief chapter on the subject, and have also referred him to Barry Parker whose new pair-case in 18th-century style was recently discusssed here. Can anybody think of any other resource that I ought to pass on?

Oliver Mundy.

[Oliver Mundy]

I have recently been contacted by a Dutch goldsmith who is would like to revive the 18th- and 19th-century techniques of making and decorating watch cases, and who is looking for sources of information on the skills, methods and tools involved. I have told him about Priestley's Watch Case Makers, which includes a brief chapter on the subject, and have also referred him to Barry Parker whose new pair-case in 18th-century style was recently discusssed here. Can anybody think of any other resource that I ought to pass on?

Oliver Mundy.

[Dr. Jon]

Yes

There is a fabulous video showing Martin Matthews making a case by period methods. It shows him making an outer pair case.

I saw it for sale at the Daytona regional.

I am not sure where to it but it is wonderful and worth seeking.

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Some time ago I reprinted a series of articles from 1902-1904 on watch case repair, etc. In a single page it tells how to make a gold case (insert rolling eyes). I believe that there is still a copy around here. Drop me an email if interested.

[Gan]

I have provided some information on the subject in my paper:'The Making of English Pocket Watch Cases in the Eighteenth Century', NAWCC Bulletin, pp. 455-460, August 2000.

[Jon Hanson]

Pete Isles, Elizabethon, Tenn

John Hueber "

and 149 member Ray Porter have perfected this craft to some extent