Silver ALD pocket watch family heirloom - can anyone tell me anything about it?

[NoelM]

I have a silver ALD casedpocket watch with chain, acquired from my father a few years ago. By family history, he acquired it from his father, but otherwise I know little about it.

it is hallmarked on the inside of the flip case with a lion and a capital B, and a serial number 511806.

The design on the lid is a shield (which I imagine is fairly common) and the end of the chAin has an attachment (not sure of the correct word?) decorated with a harp, also hallmarked on the reverse. I’ve attached a few photos.

Can anyone help to identify it further, in terms of source and age?

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

Hello!

Your watch case was made by the Dennison watch case co. Their sponsors mark is the "ALD" for Aaron Lufkin Dennison, the founder of the company.

Hallmarks:
The lion passant means it is sterling silver (.925)

The Anchor means it was assayed in Birmingham

The Capital letter B means it was assayed in 1926


In order for us to identify the manufacturer of the movement (actual watch mechanism) you will need to open the second rear cover in the back of the case and take a nice clear photo of the mechanical movement seen inside. There will be a little notch in the rim of the dust cap where you can insert a fingernail or blade and pop it open.

 

[NoelM]

Hello!

Your watch case was made by the Dennison watch case co. Their sponsors mark is the "ALD" for Aaron Lufkin Dennison, the founder of the company.

Hallmarks:
The lion passant means it is sterling silver (.925)

The Anchor means it was assayed in Birmingham

The Capital letter B means it was assayed in 1926


In order for us to identify the manufacturer of the movement (actual watch mechanism) you will need to open the second rear cover in the back of the case and take a nice clear photo of the mechanical movement seen inside. There will be a little notch in the rim of the dust cap where you can insert a fingernail or blade and pop it open.

Thankyou, that’s appreciated.

A further photo of the watch mechanism is attached. I can see the letters A and R, and an indication of Swiss made 16 jewel, also what looks like 1806 on the right hand side outer rim

I have a silver ALD casedpocket watch with chain, acquired from my father a few years ago. By family history, he acquired it from his father, but otherwise I know little about it.

it is hallmarked on the inside of the flip case with a lion and a capital B, and a serial number 511806.

The design on the lid is a shield (which I imagine is fairly common) and the end of the chAin has an attachment (not sure of the correct word?) decorated with a harp, also hallmarked on the reverse. I’ve attached a few photos.

Can anyone help to identify it further, in terms of source and age?

View attachment 745241 View attachment 745242 View attachment 745243 View attachment 745244 View attachment 745245 View attachment 745246

 

[Rick Hufnagel]

The watch movement was manufactured by Revue (Gedeon Thommen)

Gédéon Thommen – Revue - Time Worn Watches

Gédéon Thommen was a watchmaker from Waldenburg, Switzerland. He was active in his own company from 1870 until his death in 1890.

www.timewornwatches.co.uk

bidfun-db Archive: Watch Movements: Revue 31 hunter

www.ranfft.de

 

[NoelM]

The watch movement was manufactured by Revue (Gedeon Thommen)

Gédéon Thommen – Revue - Time Worn Watches

Gédéon Thommen was a watchmaker from Waldenburg, Switzerland. He was active in his own company from 1870 until his death in 1890.

www.timewornwatches.co.uk

bidfun-db Archive: Watch Movements: Revue 31 hunter

www.ranfft.de

Thankyou so much, that really is most helpful.

One last point - what does the 1806 inscription (on the right hand side of the last image) refer to?

 

[NoelM]

Does it appear elsewhere on the case?
It is a reference number relating to the case. I'm sure others know more.

The Revue 30 began around 1910 and the family continued. Your watch is likely the 1920 period.

No, but there is a six digit number on the inside of the case (511806) which therefore shares four of the digits, but this may be coincidence?

 

[gmorse]

Hi Noel,

...but there is a six digit number on the inside of the case (511806) which therefore shares four of the digits, but this may be coincidence?

It's not unusual to find partial serial numbers on various parts of movements and cases, it just helps to keep everything together during manufacture, especially in an environment where some parts may have to be adjusted slightly to fit each other. Increasingly close manufacturing tolerances have meant that this is no longer really necessary.

Regards,

Graham

 

[NoelM]

Hi Noel,


It's not unusual to find partial serial numbers on various parts of movements and cases, it just helps to keep everything together during manufacture, especially in an environment where some parts may have to be adjusted slightly to fit each other. Increasingly close manufacturing tolerances have meant that this is no longer really necessary.

Regards,

Graham

OK, got it. Thankyou Graham

 

[NoelM]

The watch movement was manufactured by Revue (Gedeon Thommen)

Gédéon Thommen – Revue - Time Worn Watches

Gédéon Thommen was a watchmaker from Waldenburg, Switzerland. He was active in his own company from 1870 until his death in 1890.

www.timewornwatches.co.uk

bidfun-db Archive: Watch Movements: Revue 31 hunter

www.ranfft.de

Thankyou Rick