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Dear Friends and Fellow Collectors,
Howdy from a small corner of the heartland, where folks still value the simple joys of yesteryear and the stories that bind us across generations. As a humble steward of history, I'm honored to offer this genuine antique pocket watch from the Philadelphia Watch Company—a true gem from 1876, the year our great nation celebrated its Centennial with pride and wonder. This isn't just a timepiece; it's a whisper from the past, a tangible link to the bustling halls of the Philadelphia Exposition, where inventors and dreamers gathered to showcase America's spirit. In a world rushing by with digital gadgets, holding this watch reminds us of slower times, when craftsmanship was a labor of love and every tick carried the weight of honest work.
Picture this: It's Christmas Day, 1876. The fire crackles warmly, carols fill the air, and a devoted husband presents this very watch to his beloved Mary A. King. Engraved with care inside the case—"Presented to Mary A. King by her Husband Dec. 25th 1876"—it captures a moment of pure affection, a holiday gift wrapped in the excitement of a landmark year. As Christians, we know the season's true meaning lies in giving from the heart, and this watch embodies that eternal truth. Now, nearly 150 years later, it's your chance to carry forward that legacy, perhaps passing it to your own kin as a symbol of enduring faith and family bonds.
Crafted by the Philadelphia Watch Company (active 1868–1886), this Centennial grade watch honors the U.S. Centennial International Exhibition, a grand fair that drew over 10 million visitors to marvel at innovations like the telephone and typewriter. The movement is a marvel: 15 ruby jewels for smooth, reliable operation, a patent pinion to safeguard against mishaps, and adjustments for accuracy in various positions and temperatures. The 3/4 nickel plate gleams with age-earned patina, whispering of countless days in a vest pocket, marking hours of hard work and quiet reflection.
The case, a Fahys Monarch No.1 gold-filled hunter style (patented June 13, 1876), measures about 45mm across—compact yet substantial, ideal for a lady's chatelaine or gentleman's fob. Its back boasts ornate engravings of birds and florals, symbols of freedom and beauty that stir the soul. Open it, and the white porcelain dial greets you with elegant Roman numerals and a sub-seconds at six o'clock, hands poised as if ready to resume their dutiful march. The mineral glass crystal, though bearing gentle scratches from life's adventures, protects this treasure faithfully.
Friends, these watches are vanishing like morning dew under the sun. With production limited and many lost to time, owning one feels like safeguarding a piece of divine providence—America's story etched in metal and jewel. Collectors cherish them for their scarcity; values have climbed as interest in 19th-century horology grows, with similar pieces fetching $300 or more at auctions. This one's condition is honest: shows wear from loving use, but the dial is crack-free, gears intact, and with a gentle service (as any old friend deserves), it could tick anew. It's not running currently, sold as-is for restoration or display, but imagine the joy of hearing it chime the hours once more!
As a small-town fella raised on Biblical principles of stewardship and kindness, I believe items like this aren't mere commodities—they're vessels of memory, reminding us of Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Whether you're a history buff, a watch enthusiast, or seeking a meaningful heirloom, this Centennial watch calls to those who appreciate rarity wrapped in humility. It's a conversation starter, a prayer in pocket form, evoking the faith and fortitude of our forebears.
Details at a glance:
Shipping with care from my home to yours—insured and tracked, free in the continental U.S. Returns accepted within 30 days if not as described, because trust is the foundation of good dealings. Questions? I'm here like a neighbor over the fence, happy to chat.
May this watch bring you the same blessings it once brought Mary A. King. Buy with confidence, and God bless.
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
_gsrx_vers_1836 (GS 10.1 (1836))
Condition: For parts or not working
| Type | Wristwatch |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unbranded |
| Features | 12-Hour Dial |
| Department | Men |
| Customized | Yes |
| Model | A. Lange & Söhne 1815 |
| Movement | Mechanical (Automatic) |
| Country of Origin | Switzerland |
Ships from the United States with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles