Bob Delbridge posted:Bob Delbridge posted:My wife passed away May 3 and I haven't been posting much, but today as I was going thru some of her things I found this:
The face notation says "Ball Official RR Standard Cleveland".
I don't think it came from anyone on her side of the family that was a RRman, I know her grandfather was on the Vicksburg Police force (I have 2 of his badges, one is a captains badge).
Not sure how long this watch has been sitting, at least 25 years. Should I try to wind it up or what's the first thing I should do?
(it must work, the second hand has moved 8 seconds since I took the photo)
Finally removed the back off the watch, here's what I saw:
BALL MODEL
WADSWORTH QUALITY
14 KARAT GOLD FILLED
7485828
There's an inscription that reads "All My Love Is Yours, Madge"
The inside the watch itself is the following:
BALL WATCH Co.
CLEVELAND O
TRADEMARK OFFICIAL STANDARD
21 JEWELS ADJUSTED 5 POSITIONS
B623063
How can I tell when this was made and an approximate value?
Bob,
From what I remember, Ball actually did not manufacture any of his/their watches. Ball had quite a few "suppliers", over the years, such as Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and Illinois. The 14 Karat Gold Filled case, is by "Wadsworth", however someplace on the movement itself should be the manufacturer's name. I no longer have a serial number listing, but such information shouldn't be difficult to find.
Just an opinion but, with a Ball 21 jewel movement, and a 14 Karat Wadsworth case, I would guess the value at over $500.
EDIT:
In checking my records of my meager railroad pocket watch collection, I find the following:
Ball Watch Co. 16s by Hamilton. 21 jewels "999B". Original, outstanding Ball Watch Co. yellow gold filled RR case, with stirrup bow, serial #1B4137 (1938), near mint condition. I paid $342, including shipping, 8-2-1991. I sold it for over $600, 4-2 2000.
Hope this helps.
