Help identify eagle war medal??

[greg1186]

Can anyone help identify this item? Was about 5 inches down... I think some type of war medal?? I'll provide uncleaned and cleaned pics. Thank you!!

 

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[duggap]

I think what you have is a watch fob. It has the "Great Seal" on it. The great seal was adopted in 1902 and is still used on army buttons today.

 

[greg1186]

I think what you have is a watch fob. It has the "Great Seal" on it. The great seal was adopted in 1902 and is still used on army buttons today.

I read about a "watch fob" apparently they're counterweights for pocket watches that men wore in the Victorian era. Not sure what fob stands for or if it is a word in itself. Are these a common find??

 

[Ant]

I think they aslo used them for advertisements, back in the day you could find them on key chains. I think duggap is on the right track.

 

[unclemac]

its like this....the watch goes in your vest pocket, it is attached to a chain that goes through the button hole of your vest. the fob is attached to the other end of the chain and prevents your watch being stolen or dropping off your body, like an anchor on a ship... and it hangs lose for all to see .

 

[JonG]

I see one just like it sold for $75
QUALITY GREAT SEAL OF THE U.S. WATCH FOB & STRAP

And a nice write up on this one.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/129789227/vintage-great-seal-of-the-united-states

 

[Ant]

unclemac good call, key fobs are similar to watch fobs. If memory serves me right key fobs became popular after pocket watches went out of style. I know I shouldn’t refer to a watch fob as a key fob.