A Google search for information about a recently recovered family heirloom pocket watch brought me to this forum. I hope the experts here can further educate me about this watch.
I believe it was originally owned by my direct ancestor, Abraham DeHuff (1735-1821), a prominent citizen of Lancaster, PA, who reportedly carried this watch during the Revolutionary War. He served from 1775-1778, so the watch may date from around that time. The documentary evidence which supports this history seems fairly reliable, but it is not bulletproof.
A watchmaker in my community examined the watch and told me it has a fusee movement typical of pocket watches from that period. He suspects the movement to be European, but says he’s not certain. The watch runs for a brief time, then stops. Repair efforts have not been successful.
I can see six tiny, stamped letters arranged in an arc on the inside of the rear cover. . As best I can make them out, it says CUIVRE which I understand means the case material is copper or brass. I do not see any identifying markings on the movement.
I would very much like to learn more about the likely origins of this watch. Even informed speculation from subject matter experts is welcome. Some photos are included for reference.
Thanks in advance.
I believe it was originally owned by my direct ancestor, Abraham DeHuff (1735-1821), a prominent citizen of Lancaster, PA, who reportedly carried this watch during the Revolutionary War. He served from 1775-1778, so the watch may date from around that time. The documentary evidence which supports this history seems fairly reliable, but it is not bulletproof.
A watchmaker in my community examined the watch and told me it has a fusee movement typical of pocket watches from that period. He suspects the movement to be European, but says he’s not certain. The watch runs for a brief time, then stops. Repair efforts have not been successful.
I can see six tiny, stamped letters arranged in an arc on the inside of the rear cover. . As best I can make them out, it says CUIVRE which I understand means the case material is copper or brass. I do not see any identifying markings on the movement.
I would very much like to learn more about the likely origins of this watch. Even informed speculation from subject matter experts is welcome. Some photos are included for reference.
Thanks in advance.



