Need Help Identifying English Hallmark

[jwdavis]

I bought this watch a while back as a "project" and I think it is probably an inexpensive KW swiss movement.

I kind of like the case although it needs a bow and crystal. Could somebody help with identifying and dating the hallmark on the case. Thanks!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1104423&uid=605699&members=1

Jack Davis
nawcc #0155192

[jwdavis]

I bought this watch a while back as a "project" and I think it is probably an inexpensive KW swiss movement.

I kind of like the case although it needs a bow and crystal. Could somebody help with identifying and dating the hallmark on the case. Thanks!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1104423&uid=605699&members=1

Jack Davis
nawcc #0155192

[xylo]

The hallmark is the standard Swiss hallmark (Standing Bears or Lions) usually there are two of them stamped on the case, as in this instance, but I don't know why they felt two of them were needed.

The 0.935 indicates the Silver content of the case or 93.5% silver. Most of these cases are 0.800 silver, so yours is of a higher quality content.

Hope this helps.

[jwdavis]

Thanks Xylo,

Is there any way to determine age from these hallmarks?

Jack

[xylo]

Not that I know of.

There is a scholarly work on Swiss watchmakers done by a lady researcher for her doctoral dissertation by the name of Pritchard that may help you in dating your watch. here's where you can get it:

Kathleen Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers
copublished by NAWCC and available through the NAWCC museum shop[ at nawcc.org



[This message has been edited by xylo (edited 10-02-2002).]

[Dr. Jon]

The oldest hall marking systems require a mark on each piece. This leads to some nifty gold and silver watch chains. The French changed this to have several marks on one piece to denote that several were precious metal. In chains they put repeeat marks for varous lengths of chain. I think the two marks indicate that two parts are silver one marked the other not marked.