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Pocket Watch and Box
1877
American Watch Co.
USA: Waltham, Massachusetts
a: Gold; other metals; b: leather
watch: 2"diameter
Gift of the Supreme Council, 33º, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
74.1.12a-b

a: Gold watch hinged to case (also hinged) with raised design in different color gold. Design of wreath of oak leaves and acorn surrounding a crown in a triangle on one side. On the other, a cypher of the initials J B C. Inside inscribed "Presented to M.E. Joseph B. Chaffee, P.G.H.P. by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter S.N.Y. in recognition of Faithful Official Services 1877". Face Roman numerals in black on white background hours also seconds ring. Cracks in enamel of face. Face marked: American Watch Co./ Waltham/Mass. Inside cover opposite inscription marked A W C) [stamped in oval cartouche], with the number 68530, FIZZA [hard to read] appears to be marked on the surface and 20K [stamped in cartouche]. b: Original leather box.


The production of machine-made watches began in Massachusetts during the mid-nineteenth century. Many new firms realized the economic potential of watch manufacturing, but the American Watch Company of Waltham soon dominated the industry. In the 100 years following its founding in 1854, the factory produced 40 million watches as well as clocks, speedometers, compasses, time fuses for bombs and other precision instruments. The company was innovative in producing watches on an assembly line. They also offered high wages to local skilled workers. [from Made in Massachusetts, 2000]



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