Private Label photos ... All 50 states

[Fred Hansen]

I thought it would be nice to see a thread here with photos of private-label watches trying to show an example marked to somewhere in each of the 50 United States and also one marked to Washington DC.

I'm a fan of private-label marked watches since I think these custom markings add a layer of history to the watch by connecting it with a specific place and time. They also can be very interesting to research and discover the history of the individual or firm that the watch was custom marked for.

All are welcome to add to this thread and I'd like to see pics of any watch with an American located private-label on the dial and/or on the movement. It would be great to eventually see this thread contain photos of watches marked to all fifty American states and the US capital. Duplicates on states are fine too ... the more the merrier ... and any extra history on the watch or marking anyone wants to post is terrific.

I'll post photos of one today to start things off, and I'd really enjoy seeing our board users post some of their watches and make this a fantastic thread for everyone!

Fred

[Fred Hansen]

Here's one marked to a firm in my home state of Illinois, an 18 size private-label that was made by the Illinois Watch Company in about 1895 from a hunting case model Bunn Special grade that was marked on the dial and movement for "Sommer & Pierik" of Springfield, Illinois ...

[Fred Hansen]

So 49 states and 1 National capital left, who's got one to show ... :)

Fred

[Harold Visser]

Cleveland Ohio. Webb C. Ball on one side, signed Moorhouse on the other. Nsz SER. VIII Howard.

[s. smith]

Fred beautiful watch if you ever need a dial for one of the private labels like you posted or know of someone else that does i would be glad to send it to them..The one i have i belive is for a keywind Illinois but the same name as the one you posted.:)

[terry hall]

Let's do one from South Carolina... maybe a second one from the same state later (after competing all 50) that's "Better" :)

[John Cote]

How about a Wisconsin? J. Segerstrom "Watchmaker" Rhinelander, WI.

http://www.interstatetime.com/PrivateLabels/PL_Images/SegerstromWM-Mvt.jpg
http://www.interstatetime.com/PrivateLabels/PL_Images/SegerstromWM-Dial.jpg

More Later.

[Bill V]

Illinois Watch . . Charelmont, Massachusetts . . Geo. E. Bemis

[Tom Huber]

Here is a Swiss movement marked for Jacob W. Grubb, Wheeling, WV.

Tom

[Bryan Eyring]

Two PA private labels, both for Pittsburgh.
Scarce nickel USWC private label for a Pittsburgh, PA establishment and a gilt USWC private label for a different Pittsburgh, PA establishment.

Regards,
Bryan

[BILL KAPP]

I've posted this infor on CC FRIED sometime last year, but this might be a nice thread to repost this Ball retailer private label.

http://williamkapp.tripod.com/id31.htm

Happy hunting,

[Fred Hansen]

Some great watches here and thanks everyone for the posts!

I think this can be a very interesting thread not only for showing the different areas the private-labels were sent but also the very wide range of makers, grades, and time periods that these private-label watches can cover.

We're at 7 states shown now, I'll try to a few more here over the weekend and am looking forward to anything else that our board's members would like to show.

:)

Fred

[Fred Hansen]

The town of Telluride is in the southwestern part of Colorado, surrounded by the San Juan mountain range and sitting at an elevation of about 8700 feet. Following the earlier discoveries of gold in this area, the town was founded in 1878 under the name "Columbia" but in 1887 the name was changed to Telluride. Mining remained Telluride's dominant industry for many years after, but in more modern times Telluride has become famous for its Telluride Ski Resort. The current population of Telluride is a little over 2200 at last census.

J.C. Anderson & Co. of Telluride ordered private-labels from several makers around the turn of the century and this firm was also a railroad watch inspector for the Denver and Rio Grande Railway which had a narrow gauge route through Southwestern Colorado. Here is a photo of an 18 size 21 jewel hunting case grade 941 Hamilton with 2-tone damaskeen that is listed in the Hamilton factory records as an October 16, 1900 sale to Anderson ...

[IowaWatchGuy]

Here is one of mine. A WF Laraway Glenwood Iowa two-tone 975 Hamilton. Sorry for the blurry picture. Thanks for posting everyone...I really am enjoying the pictures!

[John Pavlik]

A little faded, but pretty nice, New York

[terry hall]

Neat John.. a "first" for me with regards to signature.... BS "for".... congrats!

[John Cote]

OK, how about Indiana. I will take pictures of an American watch from this company later this weekend, but how's about a Patek for now?

http://www.interstatetime.com/WatchOTM/images/Patek/PP-Dial-2.jpghttp://www.interstatetime.com/WatchOTM/images/Patek/PP-DustCover.jpghttp://www.interstatetime.com/WatchOTM/images/Patek/PP-Mvt-1.jpg

[Kent]

Since this is the American Pocket Watch Message Board, I hesitate to post pictures of Swiss private label watches.

Meanwhile, here's an American beauty from Tennessee (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/walt845/18S_17J_Seth_Thomas_LS_64820_S_O_Me.jpg).

[Jon Hanson]

The Best -- John S Allen and Co. Minneapolis

[Steven Mercer]

Made Expressly For
H.S. Tanner
Providence, R.I.
By the American
Waltham Watch Co.

[John Cote]

One more Indiana. This is a watch from the same company as the Patek but after Mr. Bingham sold out to Mr. Walk. It is a 12 size Illinois gr 404...triple signed.

http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/JCWalk-Dial.jpg
http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/JCWalk-Case.jpg
http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/JCWalk-Mvt.jpg

[Jon Hanson]

while we are on Indiana--Newcastle

[John Cote]

Nice watch Jon. I have an Elgin with this same private label but I have not seen the Illinois.

[Bryan Eyring]

Southward to Georgia....

[StanJS]

Let me cover NH 3 times over:

>> Illinois Bunn Model 4 - Epping NH
>> Hamilton 932 - Manchester, NH
>> Waltham R. E. Rollins - Gorham, NH

Cheers,
Stan

[StanJS]

Onward to the Garden State of NJ:

>> Rockford 905 - Patterson, NJ

Cheers,
Stan

[John Pavlik]

Washington D. C.

[Steven Mercer]

The E.B. Horn Co., Boston.

Still in business today http://www.ebhorn.com/about_us/index.html

[Fred Hansen]

Great posts everyone and terrific watches being shown here!

Looks like we have 17 states shown now and also a terrific example of Washington D.C.

So here is what we've shown here ... Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C.

And here is what we haven't seen here yet ... Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming

Fred

[John Pavlik]

Stan,

Hope you do not mind another NH

[John Cote]

Well....how about a Virginia!

http://www.interstatetime.com/Broke/images/C&O-SpecialDial.jpg
http://www.interstatetime.com/Broke/images/C&O-SpecialMvt.jpg

[bernie levine]

:rolleyes::Party:zzzGreat posts everyone and terrific watches being shown here!

Looks like we have 17 states shown now and also a terrific example of Washington D.C.

So here is what we've shown here ... Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C.

And here is what we haven't seen here yet ... Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming

Fred

[terry hall]

Let me tag on another VA watch... though it is a junker compared to John's...

This is a movement marking only... H D Walters, Christiansburg VA... dial is SS enamel RN with A W C sig

Believe an 1877 model Waltham.

[terry hall]

Been working on NC representation....

have a DIAL ONLY marking on Southbend grade 313? 18s for North Wilkesboro NC... (this is a 'small' town in the foothills of NC... "moonshine capital of the world".. :o)

Another Dial Only marking for a Durham NC firm on a 15j plain ole getty illinois

And a marked 17j 16s pendant set Rockford movement and dial for a lil town on the NC coast... Washington, NC... now the home of Reggie Fountain Powerboats... I have some 'ole timers' from around here that do remember this firm Smithers....

"still" actively looking for other examples

[bernie levine]

Fred,

Here are two more. I will try an post pictures at a later date.

18 size ON6L 17 J Bunn grade Illinois #1248419 Movment marked ACTONS SPECIAL, R.C. ACTON & SON Alexandria, Virginia.

18 SIZE ON6L 17 j Bunn grade Illinois dial marked N&W Special. Mvmt marked F.S. Green Roanoak, Virginia.#1248375.

I believe you have photos of N&W Special dial and movement from my
earlier post.

[Joe Kendall]

Here's one from Kansas. Just a humble Hamilton 928 but I like it since it is from the city of my birth. I have also included an image of a street scene of Topeka from an old postcard. You can just make out the sign for Hayden Jeweler's. The building is still standing. It now houses a Christian Science Reading Room.

Joe

[Steven Mercer]

Here is another from Virginia.

H. Silverthorn, Lynchburg. VA.

[Steven Mercer]

This one dial only signed:

Wright Kay & Co.
Detroit.

[John Pavlik]

Not North Carolina, California...

[terofpa]

Benton, Arkansas

[Saiph]

Here's a Columbus watch from Vermont, dial only:

Wyman & Son
St. Albans, VT

[Gary Leck]

Here is a 17 Jewel Rockford from Hennessey, Oklahoma.

[Fred Hansen]

Awesome response so far and thanks everyone for the photos!

:):):Party:

We're halfway through the states now, with just these 25 left unshown ...

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Fred

[Steven Mercer]

Fred

I know you can take care of Hawaii and Alaska. :) So lets see those photo's. :D

Here are a couple of dials I have:

A. Marquis & Bro. Philadelphia

J.V. Padula 218 222 Bruce St. Newark N.J.

Sam Mayer, Denver Colo.

[Fred Hansen]

No problem Steve but I was hoping someone would beat me to it and post one of those two states first ... :)

I'll have to get some good pics taken but will try to have one posted up here for tomorrow.

Fred

[Tom Huber]

Here is one from Ohio. It's an early Swiss parts Columbus marked for John Brenner, Youngstown, OH.

Tom

[Saiph]

I have two more dials to add, covering Kentucky and Washington state. These are both on 16s Illinois Getty movements.

Rich G Tafel
Louisville, KY
- obtained separately and used in the restoration of a 17j grade 185 hunter

Fechtner V Haller
Chehalis, WASH
- original (as far as I know) to a 17j grade 186 open face

Doug

[Jerry Treiman]

Here is a dial only from South Dakota (18-size Illinois 1st model - if anyone has the movement and needs the dial, let me know), and an Illinois grade 61 from Maine.

[Jerry Treiman]

I don't think another California dial will hurt (except for the condition ... ouch :( ) This is for an 18-size Rockford.

[Jerry Treiman]

Another from Washington ... a Hampden from Blaine, Washington. The dial also has the retailer's name, but not the location.

[Jerry Treiman]

How about a Mermod Jaccard & Co. to cover Missouri ?

[StanJS]

Stan,

Hope you do not mind another NH

John,

I think you are fishing for compliments. ;) You caught one. She's a real beaut!

Cheers,
Stan

[John Cote]

Idaho:

http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/HamMarleyFish-Dial.jpg
http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/HamMarleyFish-Mvt.jpg

(http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/HamMarleyFish-Mvt.jpg)

[JohnL]

Oregon:

[John Cote]

Mississippi: I love this dude's name!:D

http://www.johncotephotography.com/Watches/HarryDickDialComp.jpg

[Jon Hanson]

Shame on you John, especially at Christmas time!:rolleyes:

[John Cote]

Shame on you John, especially at Christmas time!:rolleyes:

I have to drag Harry out of the closet every once in a while Jon. He like's Christmas as well as the next dude....and he can't help that his Pops had a wicked sense of humor.

[Jon Hanson]

It's not the Dix's fault, yours.

(remember the 16s Ill I posted several years ago?)

[Dave Coatsworth]

Even though Fred started us out with Illinois, hopefully no one will mind too much if I add my own personal favorite. The last photo is of the storefront as it existed in the 1870's.

[Steven Mercer]

Another for NY.

Hard to see, need to get a better scan, but it reads:

Made for .H.M. Jacobson, Albany N.Y.
By .American Watch Co.
Waltham, Mass.

[terry hall]

Nudder for New York... one of my first watches... KW /KS.18s
http://web.lexcominc.net/~ehall/ehhopkins.jpg

[Fred Hansen]

Its been a pretty chilly day here in Northern Illinois with the thermometer reading a little below zero Fahrenheit and with a stiff wind that make things feel even colder out there. I don't mind temperatures in the 20's or 30's this time of year, but I'm definitely not a fan of temperatures that are on the wrong side of zero.

So on a day like today I like to close my eyes for a bit and think of some place warmer, somewhere with lots of sunshine and with beautiful sandy beaches. Here's a watch to help with this!

An 18 size hunting case 1883 model Waltham that is marked on the dial and movement for H.F. Wichman of Honolulu, and is in a gold-filled hunting case that is not its original. Waltham factory records show this one as coming from a run dating to 1891 which would put its production at a time when the Hawaiian islands were still the sovereign nation known as the Kingdom of Hawaii. It was not until 1898 that Hawaii became an American territory, and not until 1959 that Hawaii became the 50th American state.

From some internet searching I've found a little information on Wichman. Henry F. Wichman was born 1866, and entered the jewelry business in Honolulu in 1887 and soon became a successful and prominent Hawaiian jeweler. Wichman passed away in 1921 at the age of 55, but the jewelry firm of H.F. Wichman & Co. continued on and remains in Honolulu.

[Jon Hanson]

West Va.

[Nathan2307]

Hamilton 925...Roswell, NM

[crsides]

And the Great State of Texas ....

[crsides]

Loose dial Greenwood SC

Elgin 18s

[crsides]

Lawrence ??? KS ... or AL, or Mass, or NY or Neb, or NC ...

[Jerry Treiman]

Here's another from Indiana --

[Jon Hanson]

16 1/2 size Waltham hunter

Calif. PL

[Fred Hansen]

Awesome response so far!

I think its pretty neat that we had one from Roswell as the representative for New Mexico. And we can all thank John Cote for covering Mississippi by bringing Mr. Harry Dix to the party ... :)

So we're moving along pretty quick now with only 14 states still not shown in this thread ...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Louisiana
Maryland
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Dakota
Utah
Wyoming


Fred

[Dave Coatsworth]

Pardon the dirt but, here's Alabama. Otto Stoelker, Montgomery, Alabama. Dial is just 'Illinois Watch Co.' (If I'm remembering right, I got this one from you, Fred.)

[John Pavlik]

A little bit different, I think its an American, from Connecticut...

[Jon Hanson]

Swiss

[lak611]

Here's one from Missouri.

[John Cote]

Here's one from Missouri.

.....and it's sister

http://www.interstatetime.com/weird_bunns/Images/Brown_Spl_Dial.jpg

[Steven Mercer]

Another from Washington, dial only:

George F. Cohrs
Jeweler
Pomeroy, Wash.

[Steven Mercer]

Movement only signed:

Aug. Steman.
Baltimore. Md.

[Bryan Eyring]

I am still not entirely certain of the significance of the "Carson" portion. Perhaps Carson, Virginia or Carson City??

[Fred Hansen]

Hi Bryan -

Check out this link I just found through Google ...

http://books.google.com/books?id=lPjYMhyl1nAC&pg=PA99&lpg=PA99&dq=%22chatelain+%26+golden%22&source=bl&ots=lVG13HqezK&sig=S_YrZpfqNXl0lrkSZGQXxgU0VKQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

There is a paragraph there that lists these names as a pair of jewelers in Virginia City, Nevada.

I also pulled this Virginia City up on Google maps and it is only about 15 miles from Carson City, Nevada.

So I think this is your answer, and another state now shown in this thread ... :)

Fred

[Bryan Eyring]

Awesome work Gumshoe Hansen!

So what states does that now leave us with?

[Fred Hansen]

Right now we're down to just 10 left ...

Alaska
Arizona
Delaware
Florida
Louisiana
Montana
Nebraska
North Dakota
Utah
Wyoming

... pretty good for a thread that's only 8 days old!

Fred

[Fred Hansen]

Headed up north now ... WAY up north ... to Nome, Alaska.

The city of Nome, Alaska is in the Northwestern part of the state and its history centers around the discovery of gold in this area in the late 1890's. News of this discovery quickly spread and within a few years the population of Nome exploded, going from virtually zero up to 12,488 at the 1900 US Census and on to an estimated peak of 20,000 in the few years following. The city of Nome was incorporated April 9, 1901. In modern times the city of Nome has around 4,000 residents and is the end point of the yearly Iditarod dog sled race.

The watch is a grade 925 Hamilton marked on the dial and movement with "Segerstrom & Hagen, Nome Alaska".

[Lyle P]

Private label for Wyoming.


ZEHNER JACKSON & BUECHNER
CHEYENNE WYO

Movement is AURORA - EXTRA - 11 JEWELS NO.31417

[Lyle P]

Private label for Nebraska.

C. L. WASSERMAN JEWELER
SEWARD, NEB.

[Fred Hansen]

Nice watches Lyle! The last one looks like an 18 size Hamilton to me ... is this correct?

Fred

[Lyle P]

Fred,
You are correct.
The Nebraska private label watch is a Hamilton 926 - S/N 617227

[Fred Hansen]

Here's another watch private-label marked to a gold mining town ... Virginia City, Montana.

Virginia City is located in the southwestern part of the state, and gold was discovered in this area in the early 1860's. News of the discovery spread and by the mid 1860's the Virginia City area had about 10,000 residents and was named the capital of the Montana territory. But Virginia City's gold rush was not long lived though and by the mid 1870's the population had declined to a few hundred and Helena became the capital of the Montana territory. Unlike many mining towns though, many of the original buildings in Virginia City remained intact through the following decades. In more recent times much of Virginia City has been preserved as state government owned historic landmarks. Currently this town has only around 150 year round residents, but many thousands pass through each year to see the historic buildings from the 19th century gold mining days.

The watch is a grade 926 Hamilton from about 1903 with a factory marked movement but with a dial signed "Chas. E. Goldsmith, Virginia City Mont." ...

[Fred Hansen]

Fred,
You are correct.
The Nebraska private label watch is a Hamilton 926 - S/N 617227

Thanks Lyle!

Fred

[Lyle P]

Private label for Utah.

Aurora movement signed O.L. ELIASON SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Serial Number 41824

[John Cote]

Aurora movement signed O.L. ELIASON SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Serial Number 41824

Nice Watch Lyle!

[bernie levine]

Fred,

There is a photo of the columbus 18 size movemet marked Florida
central and Peninsular Railroad in the Bulletin Feb 1982 # 216 article
marked The railroad marked watch by Bill Meggers.

Would you consider this in your request for a P.L. marked watch for
the State of Florida?

[bernie levine]

Private label A.E. Huberman ,Omaha,Nebraska:

Ill 18 size grade 2 1/2 HG2L 15 J 1166987 ( 1893)

[bernie levine]

Addition to Ill grade 2/1/2 marked A. B. Huberman that I have in front of me:

Movement marked:
A.B. Hubermann, 15 Jewels
Omaha, Neb.
Dial marked:
A.B. Hubermann
Omaha, Neb
Dial is SS hard enamel RN

[beta21]

Do you have Washington? Anyway here's one from Tekoa, just on the border to Idaho. Dial only on a 21J 18s Rockford.

[Fred Hansen]

Do you have Washington? Anyway here's one from Tekoa, just on the border to Idaho. Dial only on a 21J 18s Rockford.

The thread has four Washington state private-labels now shown ... but its always nice to see a range of examples so the more the better and thanks for posting!

The other Washington state marked private labels in this thread are ...

- Chehalis, WA on a 16 size Illinois at post #47
- Blaine, WA on a 16 size Hampden at post #50
- Pomeroy, WA on an 18 size Waltham at post #76

Fred

[Fred Hansen]

There is a photo of the columbus 18 size movemet marked Florida
central and Peninsular Railroad in the Bulletin Feb 1982 # 216 article
marked The railroad marked watch by Bill Meggers.

Would you consider this in your request for a P.L. marked watch for
the State of Florida?

Hi Bernie -

Sounds good to me and this is a fantastic watch with the Florida railroad connection.

This bulletin article is one of my favorites and for anyone with any interest in Railroad marked watches it is definitely worth finding a copy of this bulletin. The article is over 40 pages in length and highlighted by dozens of photos of terrific watches and is also a great read for Bill's terrific comments on each of these watches. Bill has had a huge positive influence on thousands of collectors in our hobby, and he is greatly missed.

[Fred Hansen]

We've gotten down now to just 4 states left not shown yet in this thread ...

Arizona
Delaware
Louisiana
North Dakota


Fred

[bernie levine]

Fred,

This is just a thought:

A number of years ago I found an a full page ad in the Jewelers Circular
weekly by the Southbend Watch CO. circa 1910. The ad consisted of
pictures of the entire Southbend Watch Co sales force and under the name and
was their sales territory. Under the New Mexico picture it stated New Mexico
as a U.S. Territory before it became a state circa 1912. So I wonder
if there were any private label watches sold in New Mexico before state
hood?
Now I made a copy of this add and gave it to one of my fellow NAWCC
Southbend collectors. About a year ago, I called him to make me a copy
and he did not know what he did with it. After that I went back to the
circular weekly and searched for the ad and have been unable to find.
When I am able to go back to the library I will try once more.

[Fred Hansen]

Hi Bernie -

I can say that there definitely are some private-labels marked to pre-statehood New Mexico.

The earliest I can remember having seen might be a Peoria Watch Co. movement that was marked to Arthur Everitt in Albuquerque. And the Hamilton watch private-label to Roswell shown in this thread at post #64 should date to about 1900.

These pre-statehood private labels make a very interesting group and I know some collectors really like them when the dials are marked with the word "Territory" along with the area. One that we haven't seen in this thread yet but that does exist are private-labels marked "Indian Territory" from areas that were to eventually become part of the current state of Oklahoma.

Fred

[Joe Kendall]

Lawrence ??? KS ... or AL, or Mass, or NY or Neb, or NC ...

I tried to solve this mystery by checking the US census but no luck. The only Geo. W. de Mars listed is in the 1930 census. He is listed as a 28 year old machine shop foreman living in Stonington, CT.

Rats,

Joe

[Joe Kendall]

Since I couldn't solve the mystery about the Geo W. de Mars Lawrence dial and Fred said it is OK to post a second watch from a state how about this one from Lawrence Kansas. This interesting thing about this Hamilton is that the dial uses the abbreviation Kas while the Movement uses Kan. A mix up between the dial department and the movement department?

Joe25449

25450

25451

[BILL KAPP]

Ohio is an easy one but this one from Toledo tickles my ego as it has my intials and last name:

http://williamkapp.tripod.com/id30.htm


happy hunting,

[Jon Hanson]

THERE ARE some nice stories about collectors on Bill's chapter sight, download profiles.

[Jerry Treiman]

I hope that no one minds another from Massachussetts. Bigelow, Kennard & Co. is one of my favorite private labels. This fine Boston jeweler sold watches marked for them from Waltham, Longines, Vacheron & Constantin and even a few from Rockford. This is a 12-size Riverside Maximus-grade movement with the custom patented recoiling click used exclusively for BK&Co. The contract also specified the simple finish and whiplash regulator.

[Fred Hansen]

Photo of a 16 size Hampden dial marked to Geo H. Cook of Prescott and Phoenix, Arizona ...

[Fred Hansen]

Photos of an 18 size Aurora marked to A.M. Hill of New Orleans, Louisiana.

I've seen watches by Aurora, Illinois, Waltham, and Columbus that were private-label marked for Hill. This one is a lower grade movement but neat for the fancy style of dial signature ...

[Fred Hansen]

We're now down to only two states not shown in this thread ... Delaware and North Dakota.

Fred

[Tom Huber]

I realize that we have one from Montana, but thought I'd add another. It is a Hamilton 942, Dial marked "The Huber Special", and the movement is marked "Huber Brothers, Dillon Mont".

I think it is obvious why I acquired this watch.

Fred Hansen has seen and handled this watch.

Tom

[crsides]

Pretty neat Tom.

[Steven Mercer]

Another from New York

Both dial and movement marked:

C.L. Haskins, Saratogo Springs, N.Y.

[Fred Hansen]

Another Alaskan, a factory marked Elgin grade 270 movement with a dial marked to L.W. Suter of Nome.

I had this one uncased for these photos, but this open face movement is actually housed in a nice 14K gold hunting case that appears to be its original. Seems kind of strange to open the lid and see the 12 O'clock position there at the stem but I suppose if the original owner wanted this configuration then Mr. Suter wasn't about to talk him out of a nice sale.

[John Cote]

Another Alaskan, a factory marked Elgin grade 270 movement with a dial marked to L.W. Suter of Nome.

What a beautiful movement Fred. The 270 is one of those really satisfying and underrated watches. It is probably as well made as just about any 17 jewel American watch.

[Fred Hansen]

Thanks John! These are really pretty watches and the 21J grade 270 and 17J grade 280 are a little underappreciated I think, and I like both much better than most the common later Elgin RR grades.

Fred

[Fred Hansen]

How about a quiz?

Using the clue from the dial, can anyone guess what city/state the movement of this one might be marked for?

18 size dial is marked only with "Clear Water" ...

[Bryan Eyring]

Could this be from a south eastern state?

[Robert Smothers]

Florida

[Fred Hansen]

Both good guesses that make sense but this one is from an entirely different part of the country.

:)

Fred

[terry hall]

i'll stick my neck out...

Nawth Dakoteee?

that is one of the states left to list...........

[Fred Hansen]

Another good guess but no ... and this one is from one of the state's we've already seen in this thread.

But your guess is getting a closer to the right area of the country ... :)

Fred

[terofpa]

How bout Kansas?

ter

[Nigel Harrison]

Hi Fred,

I am a tourist but how about Minnesota. There is plenty of water there and a Clearwater. :)

Regards,

Nigel Harrison.

[Fred Hansen]

Two more good shots at it but not correct.

Some clues ...

- The "Clear Water" name relates to the area this watch is marked to, but it is not the name of a town.

- The town that this watch is private-label marked to was established in 1861, and this town was named after someone who had traveled through the area in 1805.

- In terms of distance North Dakota has been the closest state guessed yet, but we're still hundreds of miles away.

Fred

[pocwatjim]

Fred,
1805, sounds like the lewis & Clark expedition?

How about some Rocky Mountains Clear Water?

They run through several states but I know you have a preference to Colorado.

Coors the Colorado Kool-Aid;)

[Nigel Harrison]

Hi Fred,

I would say Lewiston, Idaho would have to fit the bill and the Clearwater river runs right beside it.

Regards, Nigel.

[Fred Hansen]

Jim was on the right track and then Nigel nailed it!

Movement is an 18 size model 4 Illinois marked for C.G. Kress of Lewiston, Idaho.

Lewiston lies near the junction of the Clearwater River and the Snake River, and the town was named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Here's a shot of the movement (still have to get around to replacing that missing BB screw!) ...

[Steven Mercer]

Just to bring the thread back up.

Another from California

Dial signed: Portuguese Mercantile Co., No. 33 Clay St., San Francisco.

Movement signed: Portuguese Mercantile Co., 33 Clay St., San Francisco, Cal.

[chief13365]

Two from Utica, New York

Waltham mdl 1857 marked G. W. Hoff

Hampden mdl#1 Gr #30 marked Chas. H. Schiller

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/eochief/007-4.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/eochief/006-3.jpg

[Fred Hansen]

Nice pair and thanks for posting!

Do you specifically collect Utica, New York private-labels? If so another one to look for is "Jos. Wineburgh & Sons" and I've seen watches from Illinois and Hampden marked for this firm.

Fred

[chief13365]

Fred,
I am looking for PL's from the adjacent towns and cities. I have another on the way from Herkimer, NY, just up the road.
Thanks for the tip on the other watchmaker. Utica was a very busy city around the turn of the century.

[Tom Huber]

HIChief, I have an 18S Rockford that is private labeled Geo E. Fulton, Johnstown, NY. This would be a little southeast of you.

Tom

[Fred Hansen]

I just remembered another in Utica. The name is W.B. Wilcox who I believe was likely a railroad watch inspector since some early Hamilton-Ball watches were marked with this name.

Collecting private-labels regionally like this can be fun and gives a chance for a very diverse collection of different makers, grades, time periods, etc.

Fred

[Bryan Eyring]

just thought I would revive this great thread with another Missouri with some interesting nuances....

[rrstd]

Bryan,

I believe your watch is a Missouri private label.

[Bryan Eyring]

corrected, I was in a rush to get the thing photo'd and up!

[Dutto11]

Hello all,
Here is my contribution to this thread.
It is a very nice 992 Single roller with an interesting private label dial with the name of "T.H. Wilson, Niles, Ohio."
I have posted it up previously under a different thread but thought the members would like to see it here.
Gary

[4thdimension]

I missed this thread the first time around but enjoyed going through it today. If I can figure out how to I will post a pic of Rockford #348922 which has a dial signed "W.R. Lashem/Grand Forks, Dak" . It is in terrible shape but I saw that a N. Dakota P.L. was still needed. Hopefully a nicer example will be posted for N.D..

The serial # indicates the watch was made in 1889 and, according to my state quarter from N.D., that is the same year North Dakota became a state. Prior to that it was part of Dakotas territories with South Dakota.
-Cort

[Jerry Treiman]

Here is a dial only from Watertown, South Dakota. The name is Chas. F. Halbkat and the dial fits an Illinois 18-size 1st, 2nd or 5th model.

[Dave Coatsworth]

Continuing the 'Dakota' sub-topic...

Frank V. Kent, Grand Forks, North Dakota. An Illinois model 3, SN 309419.

According to the Snyder database, this was made in August 1889. I had done a little research and apparently Grand Forks was booming during this period as the railroad had recently reached the town.

[watchbob]

I'll share a couple Ohio Jewelers watches.
The Korf watches are #---71 & 72 & stem winders.

[Bryan Eyring]

One of my fav's, a PL Fredonia for Wooster.

[Saiph]

I have been working on putting the watches posted in this thread onto a Google Map. I though I would finish this before posting, but it takes time and this tread is quite long. So here it is for now; all the watches from the first three pages. Since most of the pictures are referenced to the attachments here on the NAWCC MB, you will need to be signed in on the MB in order for them to display on the map. You do not need a Google account to view the map. The title should link back to the post on the thread, and the pictures to link to their full size versions.

Private Label Pocket Watch Map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114016003132195619920.0004653540ba3633e1332&ll=36.949892,-96.767578&spn=44.327675,75.058594&z=4)

I thought it would be neat to see all of the locations of these watches on a map. I will continue to plug away at it as the mood strikes me. Let me know what you all think.

Thanks,
Doug

[kirxklox]

Saiph: This part of the MB is open to the public and all images are available to anyone that can view the links. It can be viewed by the WORLD. I tested it.

The only question I have is permission for use? This could be a problem if anyone objects. Here is the RULE:
4.Therefore no thread or part of a thread may be copied and placed on any other website without specific written permission of the administrator of the NAWCC message board. The author of course retains the right to the content and form of his/her individual post (but not to the thread as a whole) and may reuse his post any way he/she desires.If you wish to share the information contained on the NAWCC message board with someone, you should send them a link to the site or to a specific thread, rather than copy a post or a thread.

I would request that you reference a LINK to the NAWCC MB as part of each Image profile.

[Nathan2307]

Saiph, I'm post #64 on this thread---Roswell NM--- and I think the map is great. Please feel free to include my post. Thanks!

[Bryan Eyring]

Saiph, looks great and a cool idea. Thank you!

Regards,
Bryan