Family Heirloom Watch

[mojjax]

I recently visited my father and he gave me my great-grandfather's pocket watch.
It has a picture of my grandmother when she was tiny, on the face . I am familiar with the Waltham name - But the case was made by B.W.C.Co. .
Brooklyn Watch Case Co. - I haven't found much info on these folks . I can't find any markings stating if it's gold plated , gold filled , karat marks? There is that curious "Lion " symbol ?
My father got the gold fob on a trip to Mexico bout 30 years ago (cheap).
any info greatly appreciated ! Thanks !

 

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[Gypsy Heart]

I think that may be Boston Watch Case Company.

The name of the company was changed subsequently to the Warren Manufacturing Company honoring a hero of the Revolutionary War who came from Roxbury, Massachusetts., and later to the Boston Watch Company. In 1854 the location of the factory was changed to Waltham. In 1857 the company made an assignment, and the property, consisting of real estate, the factory, and numerous other buildings, machinery, steam engine, etc , was offered at public auction and was bid in for $56,500 by Royal E. Robbins, for himself and the firm of Tracy & Baker, case makers of Philadelphia, who were creditors of the defunct company. After the failure of the Boston Watch Company Mr. Howard returned to Roxbury and continued with his clock business in connection with Mr, Davis.

 

[PBK]

The Brooklyn Watch Case Co was reportedly established in 1869, and originally made only solid silver and solid gold cases.

One source states that the B.W.C.Co trademark was issued on April 15 1879.

In the 1890's the firm was sold to Joseph Fahy, formerly its general agent. Later cases were marked Fahy, and some of these were gold-filled rather than solid gold.

You can determine the date of the Waltham movement by the serial number:

http://www.thewatchguy.com/pages/walthamserial.html

Until around 1920, it was a common practice to buy a watch movement made by your manufacturer of choice, and then purchase a case for it made by another manufacturer— for example, an Elgin movement and a Dueber case.

 

[irbaddadjoe]

I can tell you with your grandmothers picture on the face like that makes that watch priceless. That is so cool!!!

 

[DJ_Quinn]

Beatifull watch, and what a lovely family heirloom. I hope you have insured and that you keep it safe for generations to come.

 

[Montana Jim]

Awesome watch and gift from your father mojjax! She is a beauty!



Gypsy and PBK - Great information as always!

 

[wirelessworldinc]

That is so pretty, I have never seen a watch with a picture on it.

 

[CarolinaDigs]

Beautiful watch ! Great story.

 

[mojjax]

Thanks for all the great info and comments - here's a few more pics - the back , and my Great Grandfather's engraved name .

mojjax