Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Pocket Watch with Masonic Symbols and Case, Model #3
ca. 1925
William W. Dudley; Hamilton Watch Company
USA: Pennsylvania, Lancaster
a: gold, steel, glass, enamel; b: paper, velvet
a: 2-1/4"h x 1-3/4"w x 1/2"d; b closed: 7/8"h x 4"w x 3-3/4"d
Gift of Hazel D. Hubley in Memory of Bert H. Hubley
86.32a-b

Masonic Pocket Watch and Case; a: watch: gold-filled, open back, 12-size case; model number 3, serial No. 5859; face reads "Dudley"; on reverse is a silver book engraved "Holy Bible" covering bevel pinion; pierced and engraved bridge plates in form of Masonic symbols; square and compasses, "G" trowel, level and slipper; steel back plate inscribed "Dudley Watch Co. / Lancaster, Pa. / 5859 / Patd / 19 jewels"; b: case: certificate from Hamilton Watch Company for movement No. 32955191 (not original to watch) on interior top; also reads "Hamilton"; black velvet on interior bottom.

From 1918–1923, clock enthusiast and collector Willis Michael (1894-1969) worked with Freemason William Wallace Dudley (1851–1938). Dudley’s company produced distinctive watches with movement parts shaped like Masonic symbols. Michael machined these specialized watch parts. In 1924, Michael joined his local Masonic lodge. From then until his death in 1969, he was an active member in both the York and Scottish Rites of Freemasonry. For further information, see blog post, November 15, 2018 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2016/11/masonic-symbols-in-decorative-arts-.html