I. Alexander of Grand Street New York

[David Thomas]

I recently bought an old fusee watch by S.I. Tobias of Liverpool (serial number 9028). It is in a gold case which is signed
I.ALEXANDER
9028
392 12 GRAND ST. N.Y.

Does anyone have information about I. Alexander.i.e was he a jeweller, case maker or watchmaker ? Any known dates would also be welcome.

[David Thomas]

I recently bought an old fusee watch by S.I. Tobias of Liverpool (serial number 9028). It is in a gold case which is signed
I.ALEXANDER
9028
392 12 GRAND ST. N.Y.

Does anyone have information about I. Alexander.i.e was he a jeweller, case maker or watchmaker ? Any known dates would also be welcome.

[David Grace]

Mr. Thomas,

Isaac Alexander listed himself in The New York Mercantile Union Business Directory, 1850-51 under two categories-- "Watch maker" and "Watches and jewelry." The making establishment was at 12 Fulton Street, the retail outlet at 422 Grand. Since the address on your case is 392 Grand, he must have moved at least once during his career. That wouldn't be at all unusual. Judging from the other watch and jewelry stores listed on Grand Street, it must have been a popular address in the trade.

Alexander doesn't seem to have specialized in cases. His name doen't appear among the "Watch Case Makers", "Watch Case Chasers", "Watch Case Finishers", or "Watch Case Polishers".

If you really want to chase him down, you might be able to trace his moves, possible partnerships, and things like that through other city directories, the census, and other similar public records.

Regards,

David Grace