Elgin Grade 72, 21 Jewel “Convertible” Pocket Watch SN 607077
18k Open Face Case Manufactured by J & S (Jeannot & Shiebler), New York, NY
Date of Manufacture circa 1879. Quantity Produced 4-500 Total

This watch was purchased at an estate auction of the descendants of E. J. Young in Wadsworth, Ohio. Mr. Young was the founder of several local business including the Ohio Match Company. The family story says that the watch was either purchased by or given to E. J. Young upon the opening in 1893 of his Match Company in Wadsworth.

There is no inscription on the watch and nothing in writing to prove this story. The date of production of the watch was well before the date of the opening of the match company but these very high grade and expensive grade 72 watches were known to have been slow to sell and many may have remained in inventory at the factory for several years before being sold. The factory records show an allotment of 1,000 serial number for this grade encompassing 2 runs of 500 but so far, all known examples have been from the first run of 500 so it is assumed that they were slow to sell and only 500 were actually produced.

The Ohio Match Company became the world’s largest match company and produced, among other brands, the famous Ohio Blue Tip safety match. The factory was closed in 1987.

The case (excluding the movement and crystal) weight a tad under 80 grams or 50dwt. The watch was serviced several years ago by Joe Jones in Indianapolis, one of the preeminent Elgin Watch scholars. It is still running well.

I've owned this watch for many years, but it's time for it to see a new home.

Price: 5500 dollars + shipping. I am firm on price.