Lady Winthrop
This 1895 Seth Thomas 6-size hunting Model 14 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished ¾ divided plate, 11 jewels, and it is non-adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and plain/simple regulator. Its serial number is 107901, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 122. The private label movement is signed “Lady Winthrop” and has a distinctive underline beneath the signature. It is still unknown if this stylized underline bears any significance to the watch’s origin story.
Among the Seth Thomas private-label movements examined in the STFS Collection, Lady Winthrop is presently the ONLY example found with an ornamental device functioning as an UNDERLINE BENEATH THE PRIVATE LABEL SIGNATURE. Other known flourishes, such as those used with Edgemere and Century U.S.A., serve as separators between components of the signature.
The movement presents with a 6-size private label "Lady Winthrop" Roman dial with a ring minute track and no marginals; fitted with Seth Thomas blued Morning Glory hands, 6-size.
“Lady Winthrop” is a private label within Seth Thomas Model 14.
The Ancient Order of Foresters, Court Winthrop No. 7980, was active in New London, Connecticut, during the 1890s. Its associated women’s organization, the Companions of the Forest, Lady Winthrop Circle No. 157, was instituted in New London Connecticut in 1895. Contemporary newspaper records document the two organizations holding joint events, distributing prizes, and making presentation gifts.
There is presently no documented connection between these organizations and the Seth Thomas “Lady Winthrop” private label pocket watch; but the Lady Winthrop Circle 157 remains a primary candidate for further investigation so, background information is presented below to illustrate where the research project is presently focused.
The movement is cased in a 6-size Fahys Watch Case Company 5-year gold-filled Invincible hunting pocket watch case with serial number 4532445.
This embossed 1895 Grand Fair ticket documents Court Winthrop No. 7,980, A.O.F., and Lady Winthrop Circle No. 157, C.O.F., in New London, Connecticut. The reverse lists fair presents, including a “Gent’s Gold Watch.” No direct connection to the Seth Thomas Lady Winthrop private-label watch has yet been documented, but the ticket confirms that the organization used watch-related prizes or gifts in its fundraising activities.
The top-left article appeared in The Day - New London Connecticut - Monday May 13, 1895, on page 7. The top-right article appeared in The Day - New London Connecticut - Friday August 9, 1895, on page 5.
The center advertisement appeared in The Day - New London Connecticut - Tuesday October 9, 1895, on page 8.
The bottom-left article appeared in The Day - New London Connecticut - Wednesday January 10, 1900, on page 6. The bottom-right article appeared in The Day - New London Connecticut - Monday December 2, 1901, on page 7.
The postcard photographs below show the New London Connecticut business district at the turn of the twentieth century.
Seth Thomas Private Label & Named Grade Pocket Watches
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