Besides the Railway Monarch Special pocket watch which is being discussed in the European sector of the forum, I have inherited another interesting specimen made by "M. Bilsky", of "Mattawa, Ontario", bearing serial number "306424". Others words on the mechanism plate are: "Straight Line Lever" and "Full Jewelled". The inside silver cover includes (top down) a crown, an anchor and the SN. Except for numbers 1 to 12, there is no name written on the dial. The watch comes with a key and the mechanism works very well.
With regard to authenticity, I know both watches belonged to the same owner who died in 1912; they were kept in a drawer for almost 100 years.
Further to a visit on Google/Wikipedia, it appears the maker would be Moses Bilsky (born in Lithuania) who became the first Jewish settler in Ottawa circa 1860. He would have lived in "Mattawa" from 1882 to 1885; I assume that reveals the production date and location of the watch.
Since I wish to learn as much as possible about it, I would be delighted if you could help with technical data and other horological considerations. No doubt you will.
(Regarding pictures, as they give me quite a hard time, an undesirable delay is likely to take place - sorry.)
With regard to authenticity, I know both watches belonged to the same owner who died in 1912; they were kept in a drawer for almost 100 years.
Further to a visit on Google/Wikipedia, it appears the maker would be Moses Bilsky (born in Lithuania) who became the first Jewish settler in Ottawa circa 1860. He would have lived in "Mattawa" from 1882 to 1885; I assume that reveals the production date and location of the watch.
Since I wish to learn as much as possible about it, I would be delighted if you could help with technical data and other horological considerations. No doubt you will.
(Regarding pictures, as they give me quite a hard time, an undesirable delay is likely to take place - sorry.)
