Watch fob, or???

[azdave]

Thought I would throw this out there for ideas.....Found this "skull & crossbones" item at a remote mining camp in Arizona. I found the "Dog on good whiskey" (Bonnie & Co., KY) watch fob less than 100 yards from the "Skull & Crossbones" item. My first inclination was that the "S & C" item was some how attached to explosives/dynamite/powder kegs, etc.
But then after finding the "Whiskey" fob on the next outing, and comparing size, and the design, felt that it could easily be a watch fob also....but find it hard to believe that in that era (late 1860's to late 1890's) that a "S & C" design would be desired....it would sure fit today though!

That other item just happens to be in the pic, but it's a PHOENIX button, No. 14(regiment), which has quite an interesting history of its own, and very unique to find in AZ, just a few miles from the "fobs".

Anyways, the Skull & Crossbones item is very nicely stamped out of heavy gauge steel, and all the items are in better shape than they appear...I haven't cleaned them.

Any Ideas if the S & C thing is a watch fob? Or?

 

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[SkaBa]

Love the skull and bones.

 

[azdave]

Well, I guess no one that has looked at this has ever seen a similar item like the skull & crossbones...........I want to say "watch fob", but I still can't get past that design/emblem for that era.
I've ruled out pirates, Hells Angels or some "goth" chick losing her earring at this remote camp.

Seriously though, that emblem I can see being used in that era for explosives or possibly poison.....but what use was this thing? I should have taken a side shot, to show just how high the "stamping" is raised/embossed.

 

[DCMatt]

Skull & crossbones was not uncommon in the late 19th C. I would say watch fob.


This one is obviously not the same, but from the same era. Maybe Knights of Pythias?

DCMatt

 

[ARC]

Fobs... super cool btw

 

[azdave]

Thanks guys....I guess I'll declare it as a watch fob!

 

[Roger Mn.]

Watch fobs could be worth $150. for the one in the middle.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/317120-dog-good-whiskey-key-fob.html

 

[azdave]

Watch fobs could be worth $150. for the one in the middle.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/317120-dog-good-whiskey-key-fob.html

Yea, I came across the same auction sight showing that fob selling at $155......it would take double that to get me to think of selling. I've never sold a find, its history I'm after.

I sure wish everything we found was as easy to identify as the Bonnie stuff...I came across the same info about it being made 1873-79, based on when Bonnie & Bros. INCORPORATED....the back of the fob reads like a billboard! That family/company has quite a history. Sure wish the skull fob had some markings to go off of.
I figure my Bonnie fob was dropped mid 1870's(obviously) to late 1890's...that was when this particular camp was in it's heyday. Interestingly, as remote and small as this camp would have been (and still is remote), I did find several intact Syphilis remedy (snake oil) bottles....as well as women's undergarment buckles/clips....quite the place!