18k Gold Tremont pocket watch 1865

[high&dry]

So I purchased an estate lot of a gentleman that passed away. It ended up being almost all books and old computer programs..but in a box of dishes, my wife found a 14k herringbone bracelet, small 14k gold band, and this pocket watch. It is inscribed on the back "Col John A. Martin with friendly regards W.F. Downs April 1869"
A little research shows that the Tremont watch co. Was in Boston 1864-1866 and imported small parts from Switzerland and assembled watches here in the USA. In 1866 became the Melrose watch co and then out of business. John Martin was a politician (Governor of Kansas) served In the civil war, and eventually was given the distinction of Brigadier General. W.F.Downs was responsible for bringing in a section of railroad, also served as Major in the civil war and has the town of Downs KS named after him.
The watch is a key wind, and still works! I took it to a high end watch appraiser today and will get results in a week or two....definitely the coolest thing I have found to date!

 

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[bloovey]

wow very impressive.

 

[treblehunter]

Seems like a Banner find, not sure of the rules here, but I'm putting in my vote for this beautiful GOLD piece of history!

 

[against the wind]

That is an incredible score.
I'm sure if that watch were to go to auction with other Civil War Artifacts, it will bring a pretty penny.
I'm not suggesting that you sell the watch,, only that I'm sure that it is a valuable collector's piece.
Congratulations

 

[high&dry]

Thanks Treblehunter! we were shocked it was solid 18k and not gold plate!

 

[Tnmountains]

Just look at that hand engraving inside the watch. Wow. It is beautiful!

 

[The Urban Prospector]

Congrats that is wonderful!

 

[trapperart]

Congrats and keep us informed

 

[d2]

That is as sweet as they come. Congrats!!! d2

 

[tomsneck]

Incredible....... that's all I got!

 

[Bass]

Very fine watch. Congratulations

 

[kcm]

Unfortunately, I think Banners are reserved for items "found"; not purchased. But I'm with trying to make an exception with this one. That watch is killer, for sure!!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Fantastic find!

 

[huntsman53]

I agree that what you have is an awesome find and one that has some history as well as historical value! It is hard to say how Collectors of such items (Civil War connection, Railroad connection and a somewhat rare Pocket Watch made by a short lived Pocket Watch company) will view the significance of the Pocket Watch. It is clear that the more information that you can obtain on the two persons, the Pocket Watch itself and any information such as a ceremony where it was given to Colonel Martin, will significantly effect the price point that the Pocket Watch will fetch at auction or via offers from collectors. The Pocket Watch appears to have one of Tremont's higher-end (as in quality) three-quarters plate Movements which is Gold gilded and the fact that it's Case is 18kt Gold and the Pocket Watch has historical significance, could propel the price into the 5 figure bracket. Do your homework on the Pocket Watch , the Recipient and the Gifter, then have this information verified, certified and notated by a well known Auction Company or Watch/Pocket Watch Appraiser as the Provenance. The Provenance will help boost the price that the Pocket Watch will fetch whether at Auction of via offers. I have included a link below with some information on the Pocket Watch movement only. The 18kt Gold Case was likely an order choice of the Gifter and the movement (which was likely new and unused) installed by a Clock/Watch/Pocket Watch Retailer/Jeweler at a later time before shipping to the Gifter.
Good luck!

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/tremont-watch-co/4025


Frank

 

[UnderMiner]

How much was the entire lot? That's a crazy cool historic find! Can't wait to hear what it's appraised at!

 

[BIENER]

Nice find, good for you!

 

[kcm]

Well, it's official -- I'm putting my vote in for Banner! Sent a PM earlier and just heard back that due to the nature of this find, it will be "considered", so not a sure thing even with enough votes. Anyway, my vote is in!!

 

[pepperj]

Now that's a sweet pocket watch, thanks for sharing.

 

[ScubaDetector]

EXQUISITE!!

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Beautiful time piece