Anna L. Silveira San Francisco CA Research Thread (all watch companies)

[musicguy]

Anna L. Silveira San Francisco, CA
Research Thread (all watch companies)

.............Anna L. Silveira 1868-1931............

...........Silveira Jewelry Palace..........
76 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA USA
​

Anna L. Silveira 1868 -1931
Born: Flores Island Portugal.
an island of the Western group of the Azores.
Widowed in 1908.
Died: January 3, 1931, age 62
Anna L. Silveira lived in Oakland on Adeline Street for several years.
She was owner of "Silveira's Jewelry Palace" on 62 and 76 Jackson Street, in San Francisco.
Buried St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland, CA, January 7, 1931.

Find a grave.com

Anna L. Silveira Private Label watches stand out in the Private Label
market for three reasons. First, they have very ornate dials. Second,
they have a Woman jewelry store owner's name on the dial (and
movement). I have seen very few Private Labels with woman's names
and none are on the level of Anna L. Silveira. Her dials are really ornate and
Anna L. Silveira sold Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton Omega, Howard and more.
And last, she seemed like a colorful personality based on what I have read.

Photos curtesy of Rhett Lucke

There are some salacious things I have read about her but I would not
repeat them because none of the historical sources I have seen
have mentioned it. If someone can produce an article from that time period
mentioning it that would be more appropriate than the rumor.

Based on the dials I have seen there are two address
Initially at 62 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal
then moved to 76 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal(Silveira's Jewelry Palace)

Photos curtesy of Rhett Lucke



This is a early one of Anna L. Silveira's from her first address.
18 size Waltham Model 1883 Grade 85 circa 1903 17J Adjusted
Anna L. Silveira
62 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal
Thanks to Marty for giving me a helping hand if you know what I mean.
The dial and movement are well worn(this watch was used for many many years) but
it still looks great in hand. It came with the California 1915 Fob.

Please add your Anna L. Silveira private label watches or just their dials or any
information about this Private Label to this thread.

Thanks!!!
Rob

 

[Marty101]

Very interesting! This teasing bit of research leaves me wanting to know more. I have to believe this woman had no trouble handling herself in a man's world....she certainly had her target market nailed down.
Any more history on her-or pics of her watches-would be welcomed.
Thanks Rob!

 

[4thdimension]

I have had few and they were just beautiful. Sadly I didn’t save info on them. I would be curious to know who made her dials(they don’t appear to be O’Hara produced). The “salacious” stuff just adds to her notoriety and fits nicely with S.F. history.-Cort

 

[Jim Haney]

This is a Hamilton 926 in a heavy Newport Coin case with Movement # 914883 marked for her.

This has 72 Jackson St, so she must have moved up the street?

She was born on a small Island way off the coast of Portugal

There is a picture on the internet of a Mirror from her store

 

[musicguy]

She was born on a small Island way off the coast of Portugal

Flores, Azores

.......and Jim that Hamilton is a real beauty!


Rob

 

[Marty101]

NICE MIRROR!

 

[musicguy]

This is the only mention of Anna L. Silveira in the Jeweler's Circular that I could find

The Jeweler's Circular 1911 Vol 63 Iss 13
(from Google Books)
__________________________________________
"Mrs. Anna L. Silveira, who conducts a
store at 72 Jackson St., and who was robbed
a short time ago of goods valued at $20,-
000, it is claimed, has notified the police
that on Oct. 13 she was robbed of a valuable
diamond pin. She suspects three men,
two of whom entered her place in the after-
noon to look at rings, while the third stayed
outside. She did not see the pin stolen, but
missed it shortly after the men had left the
premises."
__________________________________________

Rob

 

[4thdimension]

Whoa! $20,000- in 1911 wasn’t chump change. Heck, that is one fancy pin even today! -Cort

 

[musicguy]

Anna L. Silveira robbed again........
Press Democrat, Volume 51, Number 201, 20 August 1925
The Press Democrat, with the largest circulation in California's North Bay, is a daily newspaper published in Santa Rosa, California
__________________________________________________________________
2 Threatened With Death in Robbery of Jewelry Store
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 1925. While one man waited in an
automobile, two youths entered the Jewelry store of Anna L. Silveira
at 76 Jackson street this afternoon, and after threatening to
kill Mrs. Silveira and Miss Anna Gomes, a friend, scooped up
several trays of diamonds and other gems, making their
escape along the Embarcadero. The loot was- valued at $40,000.
One of the bandits thrust a gun at Miss Gomes. She Screamed.
The other ordered Mrs. Silveira to march into the back room.
I will kill either of you who tries to sound an alarm," one of
the pair threatened. The women were taken to a small room
In the rear of the store, where they were made to face the wall
with their hands above their heads. "Take off those earrings, or
Ill pull em off!" declared the handsome bandit. "Just my luck".
answered Mrs. Silveira. "This is the first time I've worn' these
earrings for years. They were worth $5000." She removed
them, and the thief took her rings. While his partner watched
the women, one of the youths went through the safe and the
show cases, taking everything of value, including a hag of
unset diamonds. The women gave good descriptions of the
thieves, and several fingerprints were found.
Press Democrat, Volume 51, Number 201, 20 August 1925
___________________________________________________________________


Rob

 

[Marty101]

Hmmm... I wonder just how often this kind of thing happened in "Frisco back then. I also wonder if Ms. Silveira was just unlucky. Those figures are very high once again, as our friend Cort reminded us earlier.
It just seems like a lot of loot laying around without any kind of protection. Even a hidden safe could have protected the bulk of this last hit...very unfortunate she had on those earrings,too...and maybe there was some reason, if not truth, to the "salacious things I have read" Rob mentioned ?
-Got anything more,Rob?

 

[4thdimension]

I was thinking that too Marty. Two separate robberies and lots of loot. I wonder if it raised suspicion with her insurer. ..and “handsome bandit”? -Cort

 

[musicguy]

and two youths (yewts)


Rob

 

[Jim Haney]

Not likely Cort, these were 14 years apart, long enough for the 2nd hold up kids to be in diapers when the 1st occurred.

I would just write it off to a Bad Location and loose security.

Obviously she hired a model to attract customers with her Calendar 91927) Rob pictured in Post #1 because she doesn't look like she would be a big draw......



Like Marty, I want to read the good stuff,

"salacious things I have read" Rob mentioned ?

 

[Marty101]

Thanks for sayin' it first, Jim. It must be Anna Gomes (I'm betting that's Gomez ) in the ad...

If the duo had beauty and brains, that's a good combo for making money... legit or not.
-Sounds like in the last heist somebody forgot to close that dang safe.

Jim, I have some doubts about the 14 years being a factor in her innocence. Consider this,OK? If this was a con, it sure sounds like patience and much better planning this time around. How much cash is that today?

 

[musicguy]

It must be Anna Gomes

I think her first name is not Anna I thing the reporter used
Anna L. Silveira's first name by mistake.

Rob

 

[Marty101]

Agreed,Rob-his grammer was lousy for a reporter.

 

[grtnev]

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/looking-for-a-little-information.158789/

Previous post re: 23j Model 8 Bunn Special sold through her shop.

Richard

 

[Wonderful Watches]

Is there any additional information available?

 

[musicguy]

Is there any additional information available?

What information are you looking for ?

Rob

 

[Jay21]

Anna L. Silveira San Francisco, CA
Research Thread (all watch companies)

View attachment 674317
.............Anna L. Silveira 1868-1931............


View attachment 674462
...........Silveira Jewelry Palace..........
76 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA USA
​

Anna L. Silveira 1868 -1931
Born: Flores Island Portugal.
an island of the Western group of the Azores.
Widowed in 1908.
Died: January 3, 1931, age 62
Anna L. Silveira lived in Oakland on Adeline Street for several years.
She was owner of "Silveira's Jewelry Palace" on 62 and 76 Jackson Street, in San Francisco.
Buried St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland, CA, January 7, 1931.

View attachment 674444
Find a grave.com

Anna L. Silveira Private Label watches stand out in the Private Label
market for three reasons. First, they have very ornate dials. Second,
they have a Woman jewelry store owner's name on the dial (and
movement). I have seen very few Private Labels with woman's names
and none are on the level of Anna L. Silveira. Her dials are really ornate and
Anna L. Silveira sold Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton Omega, Howard and more.
And last, she seemed like a colorful personality based on what I have read.

View attachment 674275
View attachment 674276
Photos curtesy of Rhett Lucke

There are some salacious things I have read about her but I would not
repeat them because none of the historical sources I have seen
have mentioned it. If someone can produce an article from that time period
mentioning it that would be more appropriate than the rumor.

Based on the dials I have seen there are two address
Initially at 62 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal
then moved to 76 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal(Silveira's Jewelry Palace)
View attachment 674285
Photos curtesy of Rhett Lucke



This is a early one of Anna L. Silveira's from her first address.
18 size Waltham Model 1883 Grade 85 circa 1903 17J Adjusted
Anna L. Silveira
62 Jackson St, San Francisco, Cal
Thanks to Marty for giving me a helping hand if you know what I mean.
The dial and movement are well worn(this watch was used for many many years) but
it still looks great in hand. It came with the California 1915 Fob.

View attachment 674270 View attachment 674271
View attachment 674273 View attachment 674274




Please add your Anna L. Silveira private label watches or just their dials or any
information about this Private Label to this thread.

Thanks!!!
Rob

This is very similar to a watch that was left to me by my grandfather I am wondering how much more you may know about these I would love to get some more history.

 

[musicguy]

Welcome to the NAWCC forum!


Post photographs of the Movement(the works inside) and the
dial.



Rob

 

[Jay21]

Welcome to the NAWCC forum!


Post photographs of the Movement(the works inside) and the
dial.



Rob

Thank you I know very little but I am very interested. Here are some photos

 

[musicguy]

You have a very nice looking watch.
Hamilton 927
18 Size
Circa 1909
Waltham Coin Silver Case

Hamilton Pocket Watch: Serial Number 645182 (Grade 927)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

Looks like it needs a new Hand, regulator spring(and regulator parts) and service


Rob

 

[Jay21]

You have a very nice looking watch.
Hamilton 927
18 Size
Circa 1909
Waltham Coin Silver Case

Hamilton Pocket Watch: Serial Number 645182 (Grade 927)

Serial lookups, info, specs, and value for American antique pocket watches covering manufacturers like Elgin, Illinois, Waltham, and Hamilton

pocketwatchdatabase.com

Looks like it needs a new Hand, regulator spring(and regulator parts) and service


Rob

This is amazing I would not have even known how to get to this point and 30 minutes after finding this site I know more now then I have in years thank you so much. Do you know how I would go about getting it appraised I have been wanting to get some insurance

 

[musicguy]

You can ask for a value here if you want. I would guess I
would have it insured for $300-500 replacement value.


Maybe someone else can give you a better estimate.



Rob

 

[musicguy]

If you want it repaired send me a Private Message and I will give you a referral.


Rob

 

[Jay21]

You can ask for a value here if you want. I would guess I
would have it insured for $300-500 replacement value.


Maybe someone else can give you a better estimate.



Rob

Just as a reply to the thread??
Thanks again for all the help and information I wish I would have found this site long ago lol

 

[musicguy]

Just as a reply to this thread??

Yes someone else may come along read your question
and let you know what they think.



Rob

 

[Jay21]

I am very interested in talking to someone about the value of this watch. Or how to find the value ect. Thank you

 

[FreetzGrün]

I became interested in Anna L. Silveira after reading this thread.
Most of these articles have to do with the August, 1925 robbery but many point to Anna being nothing but an active member of her community and an upstanding citizen.

The Niece.
Oakland Trib. August 20, 1925

SF Examiner. August 20, 1925.

The gals who got caught up.

SF Daily News. Aug 21, 1925

The bandits.

SF Daily News

Bakersfield Echo. Aug 22, 1925

SF Examiner, Aug 23, 1925

Highlighting Joe Nunes of Stockton from previous article who was robbed for 4 bucks n change while only seeking to get his watch serviced.
This also points to Anna Silveira's status in her community.
Stockton Independent, Aug 21, 1925

Numerous articles speak to her character. Oakland Tribune, 1913.

West side index. March 3 1925

West Side Index. Jan 3, 1931.

One last fascinating aside. Seems Anna survived the 1906 earthquake/fire but some inventory didn't.

SF Call, Nov 23, 1909.

 

[musicguy]

Anna being nothing but an active member of her community and an upstanding citizen.

Great to know, thanks.



Rob

 

[hc3]

"There is a perhaps apocryphal story that on the second floor she kept a brothel and that the watches were sold or given to special patrons as Christmas gifts." Bonhams : Hamilton. A 14K multi color gold box hinge hunter cased watch with fancy dialModel 925, No.918662, signed Anna L. Silveira, 76 Jackson St., San Francisco, Cal.

 

[FreetzGrün]

"There is a perhaps apocryphal story that on the second floor she kept a brothel and that the watches were sold or given to special patrons as Christmas gifts." Bonhams : Hamilton. A 14K multi color gold box hinge hunter cased watch with fancy dialModel 925, No.918662, signed Anna L. Silveira, 76 Jackson St., San Francisco, Cal.

I am well aware of that reference and do not find it credible and have determined it is likely a marketing ploy.

San Francisco, early 20th century, maybe Anna had a side hustle...

I can only speak for my research, but I found in my digging no actual historical evidence for that in the slightest. And when I look into someone I never care where the data leads.

I could also definitely pile on more evidence of a legit business woman, but I do think this is sufficient.

I personally think the story is not perhaps apocryphal but is almost certainly modern.

Edit: And for the record, contrary to the imaginations of a couple watch auction houses, Anna was not a Spinster, a Miss, or Madame her whole life, she was a widow.

Anyhow, I do find her in police records, always on the right side of the law:

 

[musicguy]

I am well aware of that reference and do not find it credible and have determined it is likely a marketing ploy.

That is why I did not mention it either,


Rob

 

[MrRoundel]

Today's salaciousness is tomorrow's viral selfie.

Fun thread. Thanks!

 

[shaimerej]

Hello!

As like others, I have joined this forum after receiving an Anna L Silveira pocket watch. Reportedly my great grandfather's watch. I don't know much about watches. I'd be thrilled to hear of any information about it or verification of any statements made. So, here's what I have:

The front of the case appears to be made of gold. Several, different types (colors) to complement the design that is composed of leaves and flowers. Fair amount of wear.

The dial appears to be composed of some type of thin, clear glass with a lot of small bubbles in it. Not sure if the design is painted on the back of the glass or if the glass is just layered over the design. The dial includes the words "Anna L Silveira Ourives E. Relojoeira Portugueza Rue Jackson. No. 76 San Francisco. Cal" The hands are ornate and have a textured, gold appearance under magnification. The second hand has come lose and is stuck to the minute hand. The dial has a fair number of debris when seen under magnification. The dial also has a crack that goes from between the 11-12, to the center and down to between the 5-6.

The crown is a bit worn and appears to possibly be gold plated over silver?

There are three lids. The lid covering the dial has "1010496" on it. Presumably a serial number for the case as all lids have the same number. The back lid has "Wadsworth" and 1010496 stamped on it. The lid over the movement has "Guaranteed Permanently" and 1010496 stamped on it.

The movement appears to be a Waltham P.S. Bartlett Grade with serial number 22043057. It also includes text "17 Jewels. Adjusted". Five small stampings can be seen at the 7-o'clock position on the far edge of the case. There is a 6, 9, 4 and two other symbols that are either unique or two stampings over each other. One appears like a zero with a small L in it and the other appears like a zero with a 1 on it. All these symbols appear upside-down when the crown is at the 12-o'clock position. I wonder if the movement is original as many that I have seen online seem to have Anna's name inscribed on the movement. The movement dates to 1918 according to "Waltham watch serial decoder". The movement appears to be in decent shape under magnification (sharp edges, free movements, no corrosion.) with some small debris but that's a total guess based on my zero experience with this type of thing.

Finally, the back also has a nice design of flowers, leaves, a fence with a small church in the background. Also with a fair amount of wear. Also in three different gold hues.

I have not wound the watch due to the second hand being detached.

 

[Dave160th]

ps bartlet movement 1908

 

[musicguy]

Please post a photo of the Movement if you can.


Rob

 

[Dave160th]

Please post a photo of the Movement if you can.


Rob

its just a ps bartlet her name isnot on the movt

 

[musicguy]

its just a PS Bartlet her name is not on the movt

It's a great looking watch(in a nice hunting config).

Reading back through this thread reminds me of why I like
Private Labels so much. Sometimes I like them because I am familiar with
the town/city it's from and sometimes it's the movement I crave, sometimes the history,
but there is always something to learn about.




Rob