North American Watch Co. of Mansfield, OH

[larrlarr]

I have has this post card for years and just never got the chance to see if any one has ever seen another or knows anything about the North American Watch Co., Mansfield O. It was post marked Feb, 1911 and was mailed from Mansfield to Dresden Kansas.
I wonder if it is a long lost watch Co. That never got to make any wathces.

 

[ckeithjohnson]

Larlar, This company made watch cases, some good Railroad cases. Click on "find' above and enter:NAWCO case.and you will get some information.

 

[Kent]

larrlarr:

The North American Watch Co., was a firm in Mansfield, Ohio that manufactured watch cases and that were dealers in watch cases and complete watches (the movements were made by other companies). An
old ref::1902 Ad for this company appeared in The Jewelers' Circular - Weekly and Horological Review. The company stayed in business at least as late as 1925 since they were still advertising in The Conductor, the journal of the Order of Railway Conductors. You can view one of these ads at:
www.elginwatches.org/scans/misc_ads/1925/m_nawco.html
To view, first go to the Elgin Watch Collectors Site Home Page (www.elginwatches.org), then copy and paste the address in your browser's address bar and click on 'Go'.

A search can be done by using the "Find" button at the top of the thread and then choosing "Advanced Search" to open a page that lets you specify keywords, forums, dates and authors. If you use "NAWCo as a keyword, you should find a few threads on the North American Watch Co. and its cases.

P.S. Edited to fix llinks.

 

[larrlarr]

Kent, Thanks for the info. I have wondered for years about that post card and when I ran across it the other day I just had to shair it with the people here and see if any one know what the place was. If you look close at it you can see 4 people in the upper left window above the door.
Larry

 

[ClockJim]

I am a clock nut, but with no knowledge about watches. I know this is a bit of a stretch…

I am looking for information and ultimately a pocket watch/case made, assembled and supplied by the North American Watch Company of Mansfield, Ohio (my home town).

I did a NAWCC search for North American Watch Co. and found a few threads/posts with various links of information about the case/watch company and the manufacturing facilities in Mansfield, Ohio.

Any additional information or possible actual cases/watches made in Mansfield is appreciated.

 

[doug sinclair]

I found this tidit by doing a quick search in the MB archives for NAWCO (their trade mark, I believe).

https://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?t=47069&highlight=nawco

You might be able to find out a bunch more info if you spend more time than I did.

 

[Tom McIntyre]

I think there have been several threads about these interesting cases. Here is a 1908 Waltham Crescent St in the NAWCo "Bulldog" case . It is actually called the Patent Safety Case but I learned it as Bulldog case a long time ago.

The key feature of the case is that the back screws off to reveal an inner back that snaps off and provides additional protection.

 

[ClockJim]

Tom,

My understanding is that the Mansfield factory would assemble their cases with other manufacturer's movements for retail sales. Is it possible that a dial showing NAWCO logo exists?

Or is the best I can hope for is to find a case with the NAWCO logo inside?

Jim

 

[bkerr]

Clockjim, I have never seen or heard of a dial marked NAWCCO? Being just east of you I think it is pretty neat to have both Duber and NAWCCO so close to home. I can only guess that they were located downtown in the industrial area but again don't know for sure.

These are IMHO some of the best looking RR cases that were ever made. Often the extra dust cover is missing.

 

[Tom McIntyre]

I have never seen nor heard of a NAWCCo marked dial or movement. I suspect the case is it. The double back cover security case is the one associated with the name, but I am sure they made other models.

 

[ClockJim]

Thanks to all for the information. Being from Mansfield, Ohio, I'm now on the hunt for a quality NAWCO case (with watch) as a future family heirloom.
Thanks again.

 

[TAS2020]

I am a clock nut, but with no knowledge about watches. I know this is a bit of a stretch…

I am looking for information and ultimately a pocket watch/case made, assembled and supplied by the North American Watch Company of Mansfield, Ohio (my home town).

I did a NAWCC search for North American Watch Co. and found a few threads/posts with various links of information about the case/watch company and the manufacturing facilities in Mansfield, Ohio.

Any additional information or possible actual cases/watches made in Mansfield is appreciated.

I have a North American Watch Co watch case. If you would like to check it out feel free to get back to me and I'll let you take a look.

 

[Kent]

You might find the Encyclopedia article entitled "North American Watch Co." to be interesting.

 

[bkerr]

I would look for a Security case. These were kind of cool with the extra dust cover and often you will see a RR grade movement with that case. Bows and stems seem to show wear. Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Kent]

I would look for a Security case. These were kind of cool with the extra dust cover and often you will see a RR grade movement with that case. Bows and stems seem to show wear. ...

Security is a grade of case, not an identifier of its design. I think you're referring to NAWCo's heavy duty, dustproof, Railroad Model case.

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

larrlarr:

The North American Watch Co., was a firm in Mansfield, Ohio that manufactured watch cases and that were dealers in watch cases and complete watches (the movements were made by other companies). An
old ref::1902 Ad for this company appeared in The Jewelers' Circular - Weekly and Horological Review. The company stayed in business at least as late as 1925 since they were still advertising in The Conductor, the journal of the Order of Railway Conductors. You can view one of these ads at:
www.elginwatches.org/scans/misc_ads/1925/m_nawco.html
To view, first go to the Elgin Watch Collectors Site Home Page (www.elginwatches.org), then copy and paste the address in your browser's address bar and click on 'Go'.

A search can be done by using the "Find" button at the top of the thread and then choosing "Advanced Search" to open a page that lets you specify keywords, forums, dates and authors. If you use "NAWCo as a keyword, you should find a few threads on the North American Watch Co. and its cases.

P.S. Edited to fix llinks.

This was my great grandfather’s watch company. W. W. Stark married my great grandmother Ruby Caroline (Crowe) Tarr. I’ve recently been searching for information regarding the North American Watch Co. of Mansfield, OH and was very happy to find this thread. If anyone comes across a watch/case from the NAWCo, I would be interested in knowing, as I am looking for one to keep and eventually pass down as a family heirloom. Thank you.

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

I have has this post card for years and just never got the chance to see if any one has ever seen another or knows anything about the North American Watch Co., Mansfield O. It was post marked Feb, 1911 and was mailed from Mansfield to Dresden Kansas.
I wonder if it is a long lost watch Co. That never got to make any wathces.

larrlarr:

Would you please share a photo of the post card? I would really love to see it. North American Watch Co. was my great granfather’s company. W. W. Stark married my great grandmother, Ruby Caroline (Crowe) Tarr. I’ve recently be searching for a watch/case from NAWCo to keep for a family heirloom and any other information I can find. Thank you.

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

I have a North American Watch Co watch case. If you would like to check it out feel free to get back to me and I'll let you take a look.

View attachment 549550

This was my great grandfather’s watch company. W. W. Stark married my great grandmother Ruby Caroline (Crowe) Tarr and they lived on Park Ave. West in Mansfield. I’ve recently been searching for information regarding the North American Watch Co. of Mansfield, OH and was very pleased to find this thread. Just curious, do you still have the watch case? I would love to see it sometime. Thank you.

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

I think there have been several threads about these interesting cases. Here is a 1908 Waltham Crescent St in the NAWCo "Bulldog" case . It is actually called the Patent Safety Case but I learned it as Bulldog case a long time ago.

The key feature of the case is that the back screws off to reveal an inner back that snaps off and provides additional protection.

View attachment 69092 View attachment 69093 View attachment 69094 View attachment 69095 View attachment 69096 View attachment 69097 View attachment 69098

Hi Tom,

This was my great grandfather’s watch company. W. W. Stark married my great grandmother Ruby Caroline (Crowe) Tarr. I’ve recently been searching for information regarding the North American Watch Co. of Mansfield, OH and was very pleased to find this thread. Thank you.

 

[musicguy]

Hi Elizabeth and welcome to the NAWCC forum.

I combined the two threads on the same topic.


Rob

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

Thank you for the warm welcome Rob, I appreciate your kind assistance.

 

[Elizabeth Stark]

I for got to add the picture.

I for got to add the picture.

Do you still have the postcard from NAWCo? If so, I would really love to see a photo of it. Many thanks.

 

[musicguy]

Hi Elizabeth,

Some of the posts are from 2005 and you may not get a response from some of these
people. I'm sure some of the others will respond. Some of the members are
not around during the holidays as well. Keep an eye on this thread.

Happy Holidays

Rob

 

[TAS2020]

I have a North American Watch Co watch case. If you would like to check it out feel free to get back to me and I'll let you take a look.

View attachment 549550

This was my great grandfather’s watch company. W. W. Stark married my great grandmother Ruby Caroline (Crowe) Tarr and they lived on Park Ave. West in Mansfield. I’ve recently been searching for information regarding the North American Watch Co. of Mansfield, OH and was very pleased to find this thread. Just curious, do you still have the watch case? I would love to see it sometime. Thank you.

Yes I still do have the watch case. I think that is so interesting that your great grandfather owed and started the company. What other businesses did he own? And why did he closed this one? You can send me a private message and we can arrange a time for you to view the piece. It was owned by my great grandfather. He was and inspector of engineere for the city of Los Angeles, CA.

 

[Kent]

... Here is a 1908 Waltham Crescent St in the NAWCo "Bulldog" case . It is actually called the Patent Safety Case but I learned it as Bulldog case a long time ago.

The key feature of the case is that the back screws off to reveal an inner back that snaps off and provides additional protection. ...

I'm responding to this not to find fault with Tom's use of the term "Bulldog" to refer to this style of case (I use it myself), but to add information for Elizabeth's benefit.

It was the Burlington Watch Co. who introduced the term "Bulldog" in in 1924, see ad below, for its rough service watch (notice on the dial its spelled as two words "Bull Dog"). By 1925, the Burlington Bull Dog was packaged in North American Watch Co.'s distinctive heavy duty, dustproof, Railroad Model case. The cases made for Burlington carried both Nawco's trade mark and the Burlington Watch Co. name, and most importantly, the two words "Bull Dog".

 

[Robert Sweet]

Trademark documents from 1917 and 1922...……….

Robert

 

[4thdimension]

Hi Elizabeth, Welcome to here! I have one of the postcards that the original poster posted. I do not have the technology to post it here but would be happy to send a pic of it via text or email. Let me know which by messaging me-Cort

 

[Toycars123]

I have a book that my wife's Grandmother had… She worked there in late 1890's (I believe) to the early 1900's. I'd like to share this info with your members, Book has 40 pages in it with all their Watch Cases illustrated … I live in Shelby. Thanks for allowing me to share this. John

 

[musicguy]

Welcome to the American Pocket Watch Section of the NAWCC Forum!

and thanks for the photos!


Rob

 

[Bila]

I have a book that my wife's Grandmother had… She worked there in late 1890's (I believe) to the early 1900's. I'd like to share this info with your members, Book has 40 pages in it with all their Watch Cases illustrated … I live in Shelby. Thanks for allowing me to share this. John

John, during my research into O. E. Bell and his other concerns (specifically the Remington Watch Co, Wisconsin concern) it appears that the Mansfield Factory was the old Bell Watch Case Co premises, changeover occurring early at the start of the 20th Century. So maybe your Wife's Grandmother worked at both of the Companies? I have not got my Data drives handy as there is probably better dating from periodicals of the day. Does your Catalogue list the watch movement manufacturer's of the watches/movements they have?

 

[Toycars123]

John, during my research into O. E. Bell and his other concerns (specifically the Remington Watch Co, Wisconsin concern) it appears that the Mansfield Factory was the old Bell Watch Case Co premises, changeover occurring early at the start of the 20th Century. So maybe your Wife's Grandmother worked at both of the Companies? I have not got my Data drives handy as there is probably better dating from periodicals of the day. Does your Catalogue list the watch movement manufacturer's of the watches/movements they have?

There is no mention of any Movement Manufacturers in the book. There is a picture of the workers at their respective Work Station and My wife's grandmother name is penciled in beside her picture. Since the book's title North American Watch Co. I can only assume that is the Company she worked for. She passed before my wife was born so, no way to confirm that.

 

[Toycars123]

Clockjim, I have never seen or heard of a dial marked NAWCCO? Being just east of you I think it is pretty neat to have both Duber and NAWCCO so close to home. I can only guess that they were located downtown in the industrial area but again don't know for sure.

These are IMHO some of the best looking RR cases that were ever made. Often the extra dust cover is missing.

I was just by the old factory building the other day. Kaufman's Corvettes now occupy the building.

 

[Kent]

... Book has 40 pages in it with all their Watch Cases illustrated …
...

John:

Thanks for sharing some of the Book's pages. They've now been listed at the end of the North American Watch Co. Encyclopedia article.

Would you please post rest of the pages? I'm sure that many of the people here will appreciate your efforts and enjoy seeing them.

 

[Toycars123]

I would be happy to post the pictures of them. Grandson is coming home from OK in an hour or so. Give me a few days please. John

 

[4thdimension]

A postcard of the factory.-Cort

 

[Toycars123]

Here are all 40 pages of the Catalog from the " North American Watch Company " Mansfield, Ohio.

 

[Steven Thornberry]

Si, given what is said in the third attachment, the company, which began business in April 1902, apparently issued this catalogue in 1907 ("in five years has attained").

 

[Kent]

Thanks John!

I'll get them posted in the article over the next week or so.

 

[Kent]

Si (sic), given what is said in the third attachment, the company, which began business in April 1902, apparently issued this catalogue in 1907 ("in five years has attained").

Yeah, that's what I read it as. Also, that's consistent with the appearance of the cases.

 

[Toycars123]

John, during my research into O. E. Bell and his other concerns (specifically the Remington Watch Co, Wisconsin concern) it appears that the Mansfield Factory was the old Bell Watch Case Co premises, changeover occurring early at the start of the 20th Century. So maybe your Wife's Grandmother worked at both of the Companies? I have not got my Data drives handy as there is probably better dating from periodicals of the day. Does your Catalogue list the watch movement manufacturer's of the watches/movements they have?

I said Grandmother where is was actually her Great-Grandmother that worked there... It is very possible she did work for both company's as she worked approx. 20 years in her younger life. She (GGM) wrote her name in pencil by her picture in the catalog.
To answer your second question, no, there is no mention of any watch movements in the catalog.
Hope you all find this helpful. John

 

[Bila]

Thanks John, appreciated

 

[4thdimension]

Toycars123, Many thanks for sharing this!-Cort