Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
The Osaka Grade
Two Model 15s marked Osaka Watch Co with matching dials have been reported, making a total of fifteen contract grades within the Models 15 to 19 family. They fall into a huge 1,200-number gap in the data, so it's likely there are more to be found. Both are 7-jewel nickel examples.
First Adjusted Model 14
The first adjusted variant of the 15-jewel Model 14 has been reported and been assigned as Grade 125. It's a private label with nickel plates for James Connell of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Model 24 Private Labels
The first private label has been reported in the 6-size Model 24. The factory produced this model with the standard Seth Thomas markings, along with six known named grades: the Adonis, Centennial, Century, Knickerbocker, Republic, and Waldorf in jewel counts of seven and fifteen. This example is a 7-jewel Grade 320 for the Bennett Mfg Co in New York, though unfortunately there was no dial.
Mystery Solved?
For years the number 280 has been assigned to this mystery grade, the only 21-jewel Model 5 on two-tone plates that was not a Maiden Lane. No known catalog mentioned it, though most have been reported with a 24-hour dial, which was produced in four separate blocks and totaling around 1,100 pieces. A tentative identification as Grade 291 has now been established with the discovery of one known catalog of New York jeweler Nicholas Gamse, who had an office at 54 Maiden Lane. The use of the word "special" is indicative of a possible contract piece.
Submitted by Gary L of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Earliest Known 21J Maiden Lane
The very first block of Maiden Lanes occupies SN 205501 to 205600, and were thought to be all 17-jewel, except for SN 205576, which has been verified as having 22 jewels (a standard 21-count, along with a barrel jewel). This new discovery of SN 205597 establishes an earlier starting point than the previous one of SN 208801 for the 21-jewel variant, and lowers the possible totals of the 17-jewel models down to around 80, making them the rarest of all.
City Walking Tour
$20.00
A unique walking tour of the City with time to enjoy lunch and shopping too! Maximize your sightseeing with this exceptional tour.
Henry Molineux
1832 - 1900
Henry Molineux was born in New Hampshire around 1832, becoming a personal friend of Seth Thomas Jr and eventually moving to California to manage the Pacific Coast interests of the Seth Thomas Clock Company for 30 years as an a stockholder, an employer, and a buyer. He served the public trust for many years as county treasurer, clerk, and official recorder of Sierra County. In 1881 he was elected supervisor of the 5th ward, and was also president of four San Francisco Banks during his time in the west, dying in Boston in March of 1900 at the age of 68.
The company created a grade in his honor, which was the second-highest named grade that Seth Thomas produced, offered in the Model 2 in three jewel counts.
Seth Thomas FB Group
Join the new Facebook group for vintage Seth Thomas pocket watch enthusiasts and collectors.