Historical information

There is no specific information available on this watch and case. The watch was made by the American Watch Company which operated from 1850 to 1957. Small cases were often used to carry a watch in the 19th and early 20th century while a person was travelling, although wooden ones do not seem to have been common.

Significance

The owner of watch, ‘A.U.’ has not been identified. Until the provenance of this item is established it remains an interesting object from the past and one suitable for display.

Physical description

This is a wooden case embossed on the front with a flower motif. It has a hinged lid with a space hollowed out inside to hold a pocket watch. This area has been lined with felt. The case contains an American silver watch which has a highly decorated cover. The watch face has Roman numerals with a smaller seconds dial. There is a winding mechanism and a ring at the top of the watch for attachment to a chain.

Inscriptions & markings

On silver watch case: ‘A.U.’
On watch face: A. W. Co., Waltham, Mass.