high&dry
Jr. Member
So I purchased an estate lot of a gentleman that passed away. It ended up being almost all books and old computer programs..but in a box of dishes, my wife found a 14k herringbone bracelet, small 14k gold band, and this pocket watch. It is inscribed on the back "Col John A. Martin with friendly regards W.F. Downs April 1869"
A little research shows that the Tremont watch co. Was in Boston 1864-1866 and imported small parts from Switzerland and assembled watches here in the USA. In 1866 became the Melrose watch co and then out of business. John Martin was a politician (Governor of Kansas) served In the civil war, and eventually was given the distinction of Brigadier General. W.F.Downs was responsible for bringing in a section of railroad, also served as Major in the civil war and has the town of Downs KS named after him.
The watch is a key wind, and still works! I took it to a high end watch appraiser today and will get results in a week or two....definitely the coolest thing I have found to date!
![20170208_105253.jpg 20170208_105253.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287223-e3415cc6f6c8ed9d126b3d1bd01ac99b.jpg)
A little research shows that the Tremont watch co. Was in Boston 1864-1866 and imported small parts from Switzerland and assembled watches here in the USA. In 1866 became the Melrose watch co and then out of business. John Martin was a politician (Governor of Kansas) served In the civil war, and eventually was given the distinction of Brigadier General. W.F.Downs was responsible for bringing in a section of railroad, also served as Major in the civil war and has the town of Downs KS named after him.
The watch is a key wind, and still works! I took it to a high end watch appraiser today and will get results in a week or two....definitely the coolest thing I have found to date!
![20170208_105057.jpg 20170208_105057.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287179-d5222a06c68b3b3f60a7e21e5550d943.jpg)
![20170208_105036.jpg 20170208_105036.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287161-5ad20637b94ec60eb28ed50e7ba473cc.jpg)
![20170208_104943.jpg 20170208_104943.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287144-b955469d0d729dbd42c2b5dec1873e49.jpg)
![20170208_105141.jpg 20170208_105141.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287208-0d76b5207ca3a5f7a4fa1d285481db06.jpg)
![20170208_105253.jpg 20170208_105253.jpg](https://www.treasurenet.com/data/attachments/1287/1287223-e3415cc6f6c8ed9d126b3d1bd01ac99b.jpg)
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