Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance? UPDATE and NEW PICS

[wylie]

I haven't been MD for long, but I think this could be something. I found it by a tree, about 3 inches down by a root. I think it may be a template for pressing into old pocketwatch cases. If not who knows? The lettering is all reversed or mirrored and finely engraved. The top reads Fahys incursive, Then 10K, beneath it reads MONTAUK. I cant make anything out of the bottom but floral patterns. On the very bottom are the #'s 8407. The area I was searching dates to 1800's. If anyone has any information or advice, let me know.

 

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[Angelo]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

If it's lead it may possibly be part of a printing plate for newspaper ads or the like.

Tony

 

[lostcauses]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

I agree with a printing plate.

 

[wylie]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

Hey thanks, That is pretty cool.

 

[kierdan]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

pretty cool. Is it cleaned at all? wonder if you took a piece paper, put it on top then rubbed it with a crayon or pencil if you could make out the design a litle bit more. I would say since its reveresed, then yes a printing plate of sorts would be my guess. Right size for pocket watch looks like. Someone smarter than I may answer this but would that be TOO much detail for a newspaper ad? anyways sure someone will give you a positive ID soon. Great find tho. Very interesting!!!!!!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

Some information on Joseph Fahys and Company who made watch cases and Montauk is the model.. Maybe late 1800's... just a guess.


I cant find your ad but here is a 1908 ad for an Elgin pocketwatch, Montauk model with Fahys case which guaranteed 20 years.
http://elginwatches.org/scans/misc_ads/1908/m_fahys_montauk.html

 

[greengorilla]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

no question, letterpress printing plate. the holes around the outside are for attaching it to a wood block to make it type height in the press chase (place on the press where you lock in the type).

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

That's a cool find!




Nice ID, everyone.

 

[mojjax]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

Nice find ! Here's a few similar ones in my 1895 Montgomery Ward catalogue .

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

Wow--possibly an engraving plate from some year of Montgomery Ward? I'd say that's one heck of a find. Neat-O.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

I just realized that the plate is for a picture of the actual watch case, just like the Montgomery Ward prints.
Can you put some ink on it and print it for us?

 

[wylie]

Re: Pocketwatch template? Value? Significance?

HI thanks for all the pictures and the quick ID. You really know your stuff. I have tried to get a good rub, but it is too finely engraved. The ink didnt work too well either. I took some more pictures and edited them a little bit. reversed them or inverted the colors. I can make out a Big Pine tree. A house or a cabin, and what looks like a river or lake at the bottom. Maybe a boat or wall on the side. I will post the pics. Again thanks for all of your help. I wonder if it has any kind of monetary value or collectibility.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I see the house now. Very interesting find.

I think the ink would have to go on with a roller, maybe ink on some flat glass first, but I dont really know... It is some very fine detail. 8)