Hi PRIMAX1967:
Welcome to the NAWCC American Pocket Watch Message Board!
Your watch case was made by the
Dueber Watch Case Manufacturing Co. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but their Champion grade case is
gold-filled, not solid gold. Nevertheless, it is a nice case if not worn through to the underlying brass.
Checking the references listed in the Waltham Watches Encyclopedia article, Waltham movement serial number 6847428 can be seen to be a ladies 6-size, 7-jewel, model 1890, hunting movement, built in about 1895. This was somewhat of a popular, although modest, movement with 37,000 having been built. Please note that errors are known to exist in the references, so it would be helpful if you would post pictures of the movement to confirm that this is what the movement is.
To post an image, scroll to the top of the thread and click on "
FAQ," then scroll down to "
vBulletin FAQ" and click on the "
How to post images." Once in the "
How to post images" box, go about halfway down to the statement "
There are two ways to attach images while editing a post on the message board." and follow the instructions there. Note that there is no indication of attaching a file (picture) until you go to actually post your thread or your reply. The picture does not show up in the "
Instant Reply" text box in which you've written your thread or your reply, nor does the picture appear in the "
Preview." Once you see an indication in the "
Manage Attachments" box that your files were uploaded, be sure to submit the post from which you opened the "
Manage Attachments" box. If you don't, your files will not really be uploaded. You can test your efforts in the
Just Practicing and Learning Forum. If you have a problem getting the picture(s) to load, check your file size and make sure that it is less than 500Kb. If it is, it should load to be posted. Too large of a file size is probably the most common problem in trying to upload a picture.
I'm sorry to say that as it says near the top of this page in the menu bar, and as
Bratdaddy@mac.com pointed out, "No Appraisals." However, now knowing the proper description of your watch you should be able to use a Google Search to find similar watches offered by internet dealers, or on eBay, and see what they are selling for. Alternately, check the value in the
Complete Price Guide to Watches, No 27, C. Shugart, T. Engle and R. Gilbert, Tinderbox Press, Mount Pleasant, SC, 2007. A new edition comes out each year in January or February, so ask for the latest edition. The book is available at libraries, at most major booksellers and online at the
NAWCC Gift Shop (ask about the current edition). Condition matters!
You should have the watch serviced before running it very much. It may be helpful for you to read the Encyclopedia article on Watch Service and its related links, especially the one to the message board thread on the subject.
Having gathered and printed out information about a family watch, it is a wise idea to write out as much as you know about the family member to whom the watch originally belonged. Then, add the names and relationships of the family members who passed it down to the current holder. Make up a booklet with this and all of the watch information and try to keep it with the watch. You might even include a CD or, better yet, a USB thumb drive with copies of the pictures or information, in addition to the printouts. Even though they may not be readable 100 years from now, some more recent descendent may transfer the files to the then current format and media. This way, the watch has real family heritage instead of it just being an old family watch, the identity and relationship of the original owner having been lost in the distant past.
Good luck,
