dueber pocket watch

[Barry G]

Hi, Cindy!

Watch cases were usually manufactured separately from the inner movements [the "works" or "guts"]. The watch companies made the movements, and separate case companies made the cases, and thye two were frequently joined together at the time of sale by the jeweler selling it to meet the desires of the customer. Which is to say that there's not much we can tell you about the watch solely based on the markings on the case.

In order to tell you anything useful, we would need to know the serial number of the watch itself, which is engraved on the inner movement, as well as anything else engraved on the movement. You'd have to open the back cover [as well as the inner dust cover, if any] to expose the movement.

Out of curiosity, is it possible that the face reads "Lady Waltham" and not "Lady Martha"?

Regards,

Barry

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My Online Pocket Watch Collection (http://barrygoldberg.net/watches.htm)



[This message has been edited by Barry G (edited 02-12-2002).]

[John F]

Hi Barbara,

What's the name on the dial, and do you know for certain that the name is that of the original owner? Many times the name on the dial was that of the jeweler who sold the watch, or sometimes of a railroad inspector (called "private label" or "contract" watches - if you use the search function and type in "private label" you should come up with lots of threads discussing various names). I haven't heard of a dial marked with the owner's name, but I suppose it's possible, such as a factory worker making a custom piece or lunch pail special, I reckon.

Someone might recognize the name if you post it (there are references with names of known private label watches). Any information from the movement would also be helpful to identify the watch - sometimes private label watches were marked both on the movement and the dial, or just on the movement.

John

[AlexMar]

Hello,

I don't know if this helps, I did a Google search "Maude Merritt" & found one b.1885, Wayne County, Ill. Married a Mr. Henley, date unk. Where is your marriage lic. from?

[This message has been edited by AlexMar (edited 02-14-2002).]

[John F]

Barbara,

I'd say that it's pretty neat combination - custom dial and all. I guess that an "Eastern Star" emblem is a masonic symbol? I don't know much about masonic dials (or masons, for that matter!), or how common the practice was of putting an individual's name on a masonic dial, but perhaps someone else here does.

According to the serial number, your watch is a 6 size hunter case, 11 jewels, and made about 1885.

John