Keystone Pocket Watch

[Bransonstore]

I'd like to date a Keystone (Howard?) Pocket watch with serial number 331880, and signed Keystone Watch Co. I believe it's pre 1900, but cannot find a site that dates these. Any help is greatly appreciated, as I'm not sure where else to look:?|

[Peepaw]

If you can date it by Howard serial numbers then it is around 1881-1882.


Scott

[Kent]

Are you using the serial number on the case or on the movement (the "works")?

[Bransonstore]

I don't have the case, only the movement. Thank you

[RON in PA]

I'm going to guess that what you have is not a Howard watch or a Keystone Howard, but a Keystone Standard Watch co. of Lancaster, PA movement, circa 1886-1890. This company was the successor to the Lancaster Watch Co. and a predecessor to Hamilton.

A photo would help as the Lancaster made Keystones are quite different in appearance compared to the Howard watches.

[Kent]

Isn't the Keystone Watch Co. a marking or set of grades of the Lancaster Watch Co.? I'm not clear about this and not in a location where I can check any references.

[RON in PA]

Keystone was the successor to Lancaster as Lancaster was the successor to Adams and Perry. Like Waltham in its formative years, there were a series of failures and reorganizations until Hamilton finally got things right.

[Bransonstore]

Thank you for all the information on this watch.

[Robert Sweet]

Isn't the Keystone Watch Co. a marking or set of grades of the Lancaster Watch Co.? I'm not clear about this and not in a location where I can check any references.

Kent,
Yes, I agree. According to "Time for America" by Don Sauers, the "Lancaster Watch Company, Inc." had assumed the name of "Keystone Watch Co." not as a corporate name but as a "Trademark".

To expand on the watch companies that preceded the “Keystone Standard Watch Company” with date of organization:




The below information courtesy of "Time for America" by Don Sauers.

Adams & Perry, 1874
Lancaster Pennsylvania Watch Company, 1877
Lancaster Pennsylvania Watch Company Limited, 1878
Lancaster Watch Company, 1879
Lancaster Watch Company, Inc., 1883
Keystone Standard Watch Company, 1886
Hamilton Watch Company, 1892
Robert

[Kent]

Thanks Robert!

[crsides]

Pic of a Keystone mvt 342977, a little later than yours, for reference. This is the dustproof model. Can you describe the dial on your example.