This top plate is from an 1893 18-size Seth Thomas Model 3 private label “J.E. Jarck” pocket watch manufactured with nickel finish, 15 jewels, a micrometric regulator, and grade 170. It was included with my recent purchase of other Seth Thomas pocket watches.

Turner’s Seventh Annual Directory for the Cities of Danville and North Danville for the years of 1892-1893 report that J.E. Jarck was jeweler at 328 Main Street in Danville, and had a residence at 647 Main Street. I also found records of a J.E. Jarck in 1890 and John E. Jarck in 1888 in the Pittston Pennsylvania City Directory who was a jeweler. It’s possible that Mr. Jarck started out living in Pittston Pennsylvania; then moved south over 800 miles to Danville Virginia for a few years, selling his business to a new jeweler.

An advertisement in the Roanoke Baptist Union, Volume 7, Number 6, 1 June 1894, Page 4 for E.P. Sangston, D.R. explains that E.P. Sangston is the “Successor to J.E. Jarck”.

The 1900 U.S. Census recorded information from a John E. O. Jarck living in Northampton Pennsylvania who was a jeweler. This could very well all be the same J.E. Jarck who contracted Seth Thomas to produce the private label pocket watch.

A map showing the positions of Pittston Pennsylvania, Danville Virginia, and Northampton Pennsylvania illustrates the possible journey of J.E. Jarck in the United States after emigrating from Germany in 1884. After Danville Virginia it looks like Mr. Jarck moved back north to Pennsylvania; but settled in Northampton instead of returning to Pittston.

J.E. Jark DANVILLE, VA.

EA 807 – J.E. Jark DANVILLE, VA. – 18-size – Model 3 – Serial Number 64900 – 15 Jewels - Grade 170

Casper Henry Kenkel, lived with his wife Agnes and son in a residential over commercial building at 1302 Main Street. C. H. Kenkel was a jeweler in Cincinnati Ohio from 1862 (during the American Civil War) until his death in 1897. His son, Joseph H. Kenkel had also worked with him as Watchmaker. A 13 year old Clement Kenkel had also been an apprentice to a jeweler with C. H. Kenkel according to the 1870 U.S. Census. Joseph H. Kenkel continued to conduct the business at 1302 Main Street for a long time after his father’s death, according to the 1924 Cincinnati City Directory.

C. H. Kenkel - Cincinnati, Ohio

EA 806 – C H Kenkel – 18-size – Model 2 – Serial Number 504554 – 7 Jewels - Grade 34

EA 810 – The King – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number 287085 –17 Jewels - Grade 169

The King is a private label pocket watch in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 5, manufactured for Siegel Brothers Jewelers in Boston Massachusetts U.S.A.

In his “1980 Price Indicator” Roy Ehrhardt illustrated that the Siegel Bros. commissioned Seth Thomas to produce three different private label pocket watch lines with their name marked on the movements. The photos in this posting are of my recently acquired example of “The King”. Illustrations from the “1980 Price Indicator” of Siegel Bros. “The King”, “American Best” and “Workingman’s Friend” are also included in this post.

The 1908 Boston Massachusetts City Directory identifies Eli and George Siegel as the “Siegel Bros.” jewelers at 387 Washington Street in Boston. Their business is also identified as Washington Jewelry Co. in other period documents.

The King

EA 810 – The King – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number 287065 – 17 Jewels - Grade 169

EA 814A– Knickerbocker Watch Co. – 18-size – Model 13 – Serial Number 1750408 – 7 Jewels - Factory Named Grade Century

EA 821 – Knickerbocker Watch Co. – 6-size – Model 18 – Serial Number 4000513 – 7 Jewels - Factory Named Grade Century

EA 822 – Knickerbocker Watch Co. – 6-size – Model 24 – Serial Number 3074505 – 7 Jewels - Grade 320

Knickerbocker Watch Co. is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 12 and Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 13, Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 18 and Seth Thomas 6-size open-face Model 24.

Knickerbocker Watch Co. New York

EA 813C – Knickerbocker Watch Co. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1168168 – 7 Jewels - Factory Named Grade Century

E.G. Bowyer ALGONA, IOWA, KOSSUTH is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 2.

According to the 1913 History of Kossuth County Iowa; E. G. Bowyer was a jeweler in the city of Algona, Kossuth County, Iowa from 1878 through the time of publication in 1913. Reports also indicate that he was some sort of official to whom deaths were reported in order to validate life insurance claims. The postcards below show Algona during the time when E. G. Bowyer was a jeweler there.

KOSSUTH E.G. Bowyer ALGONA, IOWA.

EA 806 – KOSSUTH E.G. Bowyer ALGONA, IOWA. – 18-size – Model 2 – Serial Number 73706–7 Jewels - Grade 56

This advertisement appeared in the Algona Courier on Friday March 20, 1896, on page 5.

Kuesel & Puls - Milwaukee

EA 810 – Kuesel & Puls – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number 204087 – 17 Jewels - Grade 182

Charles Kuesel was a jeweler in Milwaukee Wisconsin from 1883 until 1926. He had a partner Adolph Puls from 1897 until 1907 and the business at 430 Grand Avenue was called Kuesel & Puls. From 1907 until 1926 his partner was his brother Louis, and the business was named Kuesel Brothers.

These advertisements appeared in the Algona Courier. The smaller one appeared on Sunday December 18, 1898, on page 11. The larger article appeared on Wednesday December 19, 1902, on page 1. Kuesel & Puls are listed near the top of the third column.

The Lake Erie is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 3.

The Lake Erie (Not in STFS Collection)

EA 807 – The Lake Erie – 18-size – Model 3 – Serial Number XXXXXX – 17 Jewels - Grade 179

EA 821 – Lake Shore – 6-size – Model 18 – Serial Number 998852 – 15 Jewels - Factory Named Grade Century

EA 822 – Lake Shore – 6-size – Model 24 – Serial Number 3052795 – 15 Jewels - Grade 322

The private label pocket watch, Lake Shore, was manufactured for sale in the Montgomery Ward Co. mail order catalog.

Lake Shore is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 5 with 17 jewels at grade 182, 6-size hunting Model 18 with 15 jewels at grade 205, and 12X6-size open-face Model 24 with 15 jewels at grade 322. The signature on the dial of the Model 5 Lake Shore is spelled out as one word, “Lakeshore”. The signatures on the dials of the Model 18 Lake Shore and the Model 24 Lake Shore, as well as the signatures engraved on the movements of all three models are all presented as two words, “Lake Shore”. The Montgomery Ward Co. catalog also advertised using the two-word name “Lake Shore” for this private label. The 12X6-size version was advertised (see image below) as a Compact 12-size Lake Shore.

Lake Shore should not be confused with the private labels “Lakeside”, also manufactured by Seth Thomas in Model 8 and Model 9 for sale in the Montgomery Ward Co. mail order catalog; or the private label “Lakesite” manufactured by Seth Thomas in Model 8 and Model 9 for sale in the J. M. Smyth Co. mail order catalog.

Lake Shore

EA 810 – Lake Shore – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number 290874 – 17 Jewels - Grade 182

1911 Montgomery Ward & Co. Catalogue No. 79

The Montgomery Ward Catalog No. 78 contained an advertisements for a Lake Shore pocket watch line that Seth Thomas produced pocket watch movements for in Model 5.

EA 822 – Lake Shore – 18-size –Open-Face Model 5 – Serial Number 290874 – 17 Jewels

EA 812A – Lakeside – 18-size – Model 9 – Serial Number XXXXXX – 15 Jewels - Grade 37

Lakeside is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 8 and Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 9.

Lakeside (Not in STFS Collection)

EA 811A – Lakeside – 18-size – Model 8 – Serial Number XXXXXX – 15 Jewels - Grade 36

EA 811A – Lakesite – 18-size – Model 8 – Serial Number 2585978 – 15 Jewels - Grade 206

EA 811A – Lakesite – 18-size – Model 8 – Serial Number 2527609 – 15 Jewels - Grade 206

EA 812A – Lakesite – 18-size – Model 9 – Serial Number X – 15 Jewels - Grade 207

Lakesite is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 8 and Seth Thomas 18-size hunting Model 9 manufactured for sale by J.M. Smyth Company in their mail order catalog.

Lakesite

EA 811A – Lakesite – 18-size – Model 8 – Serial Number 2585921 – 15 Jewels - Grade 206

EA 806 – Lever Brothers – 6-size – Model 2 – Serial Number 543473 – 7 Jewels - Grade 34

EA 806 – Lever Brothers – 6-size – Model 2 – Serial Number 543616 – 7 Jewels - Grade 34

Lever Brothers is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 2 and Model 14. The Lever Brothers private label pocket watches manufactured by Seth Thomas were purchased by Lever Brothers as prizes for winners in the nearby Eisteddfod festival competitions in poetry and music, an historic cultural tradition across all of Wales dating back to the year 1176. The Welsh name for the ancient cultural festival “Eisteddfod” combines “eistedd”, the root of the Welsh word “sit” and “fod” root of the Welsh word “be”, to convey the idea of sitting and listening.

Lever Brothers is the name of an international British company that was founded in the same year that Seth Thomas started marketing pocket watches, 1885. The factory located near the border between England and Wales manufactured soap. People alive today may still be familiar with some of the brand names, Lifebuoy and Lux, that they produced. In 1929 Lever Brothers merged with a Dutch margarine company, Margarine Unie, to form the corporation Unilever.

While Lever Brothers was in operation, the company took great interest in the welfare of its employees in England and provided a self-contained community, Port Sunlight, near the factory for them. Port Sunlight provided quality housing, the Lady Lever Art Gallery, schools, a hospital, concert hall, hotel, church, and local community clubs that promoted art, literature, science, and music.

The half-hunter cases that contained the Lever Brothers movements bore the engraving “14k Stiffened”. There were no manufacturer signatures or trademarks to identify the manufacturer.

Turn of the Century Advertising from Lever Brothers for Lifebuoy Soap.

Lever Brothers Limited New York

EA 818 – Lever Brothers – 6-size – Model 14 – Serial Number 140165 – 7 Jewels - Grade 46

EA 813C – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1300131 – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

EA 813C – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1300196 – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

EA 814A – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 13 – Serial Number X – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

Liberty U.S.A. is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 12, manufactured for the Ingersoll Watch Company who then sold them to the St. Louis Clock and Silverware Company for distribution through their wholesale catalog.

Liberty U.S.A.

EA 813C – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1203123 – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

EA 813C – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1212467 – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

EA 813C – Liberty U.S.A. – 18-size – Model 12 – Serial Number 1229099 – 7 Jewels - Named Grade Century

Lincoln Special is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 5.

Lincoln Special

EA 810 – Lincoln Special – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number 232586 – 17 Jewels - Grade 182

G. A. Lockwood & Son - Chariton, IA. is a private label in Seth Thomas 18-size open-face Model 5. George A. Lockwood, born in September of 1841 in New Brunswick Canada. He grew up in Ohio and moved to Chariton Iowa in 1864 and ran a successful jewelry business until 1907. The postcard below shows the south side of the town square in Chariton Iowa during the period when G. A. Lockwood & Son was open.

George A. Lockwood's obituary is shared below.

“GEO. A. LOCKWOOD

As noted in this paper last week, Mr. Geo. A. Lockwood, until recently a well known Chariton citizen, passed away at the home of his son, J. E. Lockwood, in Peoria, Ill., on Thursday morning, June 2, 1910, at the age of 71 years, 3 months and 5 days, after an extended illness with diabetes and a complication of diseases.

The remains were brought to Chariton Friday morning on No. 3 and taken to the Chariton cemetery, where a brief prayer service was conducted by Rev. W. S. McCullagh, pastor of the Presbyterian church, under the auspices of the Masonic order, after which the remains were placed in the vault temporarily. A large number of sorrowing friends were present at the last sad rites.

George A. Lockwood was born in New Brunswick, Canada on Feb. 28, 1839. At the age of five years he went from there to Ohio, living near London several years. Later he came to Bloomfield, Iowa, where he was married in 1864 to Miss Sarah J. Skidmore, who died here on October 18, 1909, but a few months ago.

To them one son, J. E. Lockwood, was born, who survives, and who will have the deep sympathy of a host of Chariton friends in his grief.

In 1864, Mr. Lockwood came to Chariton and this place was their home until the failing health of both compelled him to sell his jewelry establishment here a few years ago, after which they went to Peoria to be with their son.

Mr. Lockwood was an active member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders. Here in Chariton, where he resided for so many years, he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was a man of strict integrity, honorable and upright in all his dealings. He possessed a genial disposition and ever had a pleasant word for all with whom he came in contact. His friends in this vicinity were innumerable and his demise is greatly deplored.

Obituary courtesy of Darlene Arnold, Lucas County Genealogical Society.”

G. A. Lockwood & Son - Chariton, IA. (Not in STFS Collection)

EA 810 – G. A. Lockwood & Son - Chariton, IA. – 18-size – Model 5 – Serial Number X – 11 Jewels - Grade 58

Locomotive with Seth Thomas Signature (Above the Hands)

EA 810 - Seth Thomas - Private Label - Model 5 - Serial Number 212068 - 15 jewels - Micro-Regulator - Grade: 159

Locomotive with Seth Thomas Signature (Below the Hands)

EA 810 - Seth Thomas - Private Label - Model 5 - Serial Number 208108 - 15 jewels - Micro-Regulator - Grade: 159

Locust is a private label in Seth Thomas 16-size open-face Model 21.

Locust (Not in STFS Collection)

EA 815 – Locust – 16-size – Model 21 – Serial Number XXXXXXX – 7 Jewels - Grade 332

John Luckenbach

John Luckenbach was born in Algoma, Wisconsin on August 1, 1868. He established his career as a jeweler in Green Bay Wisconsin from the 1870’s through 1890’s. In 1898 he relocated to Los Angeles California where he also ran an extremely successful jewelry business until his death on January 9, 1926. His obituary is included below.

From a Los Angeles newspaper:

A Masonic funeral will be given John Luckenbach at the Little Church of the Flowers in Forest Lawn Cemetery this afternoon at 1 o'clock. He died Sunday, of heart failure.

Preceding this service there will be private rites at noon at the residence, 2325 North Vermont Avenue, conducted by the Rev. J. Phillips Easley of St. Stephens Church, Hollywood.

The services at the chapel in the cemetery will be in charge of East Gate Lodge. Golden West Commandery will furnish an escort.

For a quarter of a century John Luckenbach had been well-known as an upright, energetic business man and public-spirited citizen. Leaders in all phases of commercial and civic life admired him for his genial, helpful character and thousands of persons mourn the passing of the man who unostentatiously gave them aid and kindly encouragement in times of distress.

Two decades ago, practically everybody in Los Angeles knew Mr. Luckenbach, and most of them called him John. In his business as a jeweler and by sound investments he had become a rich man and had remained the poor man's friend.

Father Lost at Sea

In the early years of his boyhood the qualities of character were developed that won for him throughout his manhood the respect of the public and the love of those who knew him more intimately.

Born in Algoma, Wis., in 1868, John was but five years old when his mother was left a widow with nine children. They were living in Green Bay, Wis., and the father had returned to the old country to collect a small inheritance. On the way back his ship was lost in the English Channel and he perished.

From that tender age of five, John Luckenbach had before him throughout his boyhood the necessity of hard work and rigid economy, that the united efforts of the family might keep them together. His mother taught the children honesty and thrift and industry. The oldest brother was at first the mainstay; when John reached the age of 17 and the united earnings were larger, the oldest brother was ready for college, and John got a job and helped him through his college course.

Having served an apprenticeship in the jeweler's business, Mr. Luckenbach married Miss Lena Berner in 1890, and in 1898 they came to Los Angeles. Mrs. Luckenbach survives him. He was devoted to her and his home, and together they contributed constantly to making other homes happy, by relief of the needy, by friendly counsel, by promoting the advancement of struggling young men.

Always interested in public matters and in politics, Mr. Luckenbach never held public office. He took a leading part in efforts to solve the traffic problems and did much to promote the development of Vermont avenue. He was a director of the Bank of America.

Active Lodge Member

Mr. Luckenbach was a thirty-second degree Mason, a charter member of East Gate Lodge and a member of Golden West Commandery, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. He was a member of the Elks, and of the Jonathan Club.

The top two article appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The first one appeared on appeared on Friday June 8, 1894, on page 3. The second one appeared on appeared on Monday September 12, 1898, on page 5.

The article at bottom-left appeared in The Tidings on Friday December 16, 1910, on page 102. The article at bottom-center with the photograph of John Luckenbach and discussion of his civic activity appeared in the Los Angeles Evening Express on Thursday November 27, 1913, on page 3. The article at bottom-right appeared in the Los Angeles Evening Post-Record on Tuesday October 31, 1916, on page 6.