Posted 12 years ago
RuffhandzN…
(1 item)
We are preparing to pass along great grandfather's pocket watch to great grandson. Arthur B Lyon worked for the L & N railroad, Knoxville Div. for at least 50 years, retiring in 1953. According to a note with watch, it was a company gift in honor of 50 years service. The serial number leads me to believe that the watch was made in or around 1907 which would be just after he joined L & N in the early 1900s. I cannot date the case, but it's serial number is 7731926. Perhaps the movements were made and stockpiled or perhaps the company bought a bunch of these to award as employees merited.
He began as a private sec'y to the div. Superintendent and retired as Assistant Division Superintendent. He worked alongside R. C. Morrison who was Knoxville Supt. until 1938.
The watch is 21 jewels, double sunk porcelain dial with one scratch or hairline crack on center of the seconds dial. Watch is very clean inside and case is not personalized. I do not believe this is one of the Lincoln's with the Delong escapement.
What is the model? Anyone familiar with the L&N Knoxville station and company award practices? Thank you for your appreciation for old things and your willingness to share what you've discovered.
The serial number you would go by is on the movement. Looking at your photo I was able to get this information from a database on the web.
Grade: A. Lincoln
Movement Serial Number: 2002059
Estimated Production Year: 1907
Run Quantity: 200
Size: 16s
Jewels: 21j
Movement Configuration: Openface
Model: 5
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Barrel: Going
Notes: Possible Bridge Plate Design. Getty Model
Thank you pops52. Is there any more information about this particular watch? Run quantity....does that mean how many of this model were made? As railroad watches go, the A. Lincolns were not the highest quality, correct? The inside detailing is beautiful with regard to textures and black enameling. Was this normal for such watches? The watch has been in family possession since it was received but I doubt it was worn and used much by the company man because there is almost no wear on the ring. If it had been part of his daily work routine, I would expect to see greater wear on the crystal, case, and stem. Any help with regard to value; historical and monetary would be appreciated.
There could be many runs depending on demand. Since there were other models of watches to produce, it only made sense to produce them in runs. In my opinion the movement is very beautiful, I also happen to own one. The monetary value listed in my price guide is $225 to $450. I am sure since it belonged to your great grandfather, priceless. I don't think it had any historical facts other than using Abe Lincoln's name to distinguish a grade or model. Getty refers to the style of the click and only one winding wheel showing. Not all Abe Lincoln's were Getty.