Posted 14 years ago
snballiet
(2 items)
Does anyone know anything about this watch maker? I can find very little on the web. Is he a rare maker? Should I take it to be appraised or is it just a run of the mill gold pocket watch?
Z. J. Pequignot
Philadelphia, PA
18K Gold
Ladies Pocket Watch
Face is 34mm in diameter
Inscription reads: John to Caroline Aug. 15, 1893
The last name would have been Kugler and they lived on a large farm in Byram, Kingwood Township (or Delaware Township), Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Unfortunatly the crystal and bezel was removed and has been lost in the 117 years since it was given as a gift
The reason they were removed was, Caroline was blind and she could tell the time by feeling positions of the hands on the face. She must of had a very sensitive and gentle touch. The hands do not look bent or damaged at all.
I think it's always interesting to know the history of the things you own and buy, that's why I include it here.
The watch winds and runs for a couple hours but then stops. It probably needs a good cleaning and oiling.
Pequignot was a jeweler/watchmaker of the period, NOT the actual maker of the watch. He may have made the case tho. I have had at least one of these with the name Pequignot, he must have been quite proliferant. The actual maker was Agassiz, a quality maker of the 1880's period. This is known as a "contract watch". The movement was ordered to specs by Pequignot, engraved with his name, cased and sold by him in his shop. Hope this helps, David M.
Thank you very much Moonlighters!