Norman Bliss
08-05-2006, 11:35 AM
I found this movement, Waltham SN 7554009, in a box of watchmaker's items I picked up. The Waltham database says it's a 17j adjusted hunting case Model 1888, grade "Royal, name 'No. 640', from a run that started with SN 7554001 on 5/1/1898 and ended on 9/30/1899.
What's interesting is the engraving in gold (all other lettering is black) "DEWEY MAY 1,'98", obviously a reference to Admiral Dewey's naval victory in the Spanish American War over the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898.
I assume this was done by a Waltham worker after the news of Dewey's victory reached Waltham. Engraving doesn't look as fine as the normal factory engraving, but only a Waltham worker would know this watch started on that date.
Has anyone seen this on other Walthams? Any ideas?
Norman
http://pages.cthome.net/nobliss/deweymvt.jpg
What's interesting is the engraving in gold (all other lettering is black) "DEWEY MAY 1,'98", obviously a reference to Admiral Dewey's naval victory in the Spanish American War over the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898.
I assume this was done by a Waltham worker after the news of Dewey's victory reached Waltham. Engraving doesn't look as fine as the normal factory engraving, but only a Waltham worker would know this watch started on that date.
Has anyone seen this on other Walthams? Any ideas?
Norman
http://pages.cthome.net/nobliss/deweymvt.jpg