Dispatch case of Major John Hubley; walnut construction.
On top, inlay shell in an oval with green background, all within an 2 fine-line band border. Metal outlined key on front center. 2 movable metal handles, one on each end. Entire wood panel in lid folds out to reveal a mirror secured by a swivel tab. A metal ring for pulling panel down/ Circular inlay designs on green background in center of closed lid portion. Intricate spiral adorn edges of all 8 sections and green felt-lined tray. 2 narrow divisions hold slide-in tops with metal pull rings fit into compartment. Portion that holds 2 small drawers can be lifted out to reveal .5" storage area. The entire lower portion can be lifted out. Bottom covered with black felt.
Three watch papers, 2 of Moyer and one of Beiler, printed with advertisement on small paper discs, used between pocket watch works and case to protect works:
A. Thin paper disc w/ small cuts around periphery, printed within double-line outside border is "ABRAHAM S. BEILER, / Watchmaker, / LEACOCK, LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa."
No inscription. Dia: 2".
B.Thin paper disc, small cuts around periphery, printed with "B.D. MOYER, / WATCHMAKER / AND / JEWELER / BIRD IN HAND". Pen inscription on reverse: "July / 8756 / Cleaning & / Repairing / J. Hoover". Dia: 1.375". See Notes.
C.Paper disc, small cuts around periphery, printed with double-line outside border has "B. D. MOYER / Enterprise, Lancaster Co." and within center is "WATCHMAKER / AND / JEWELLER." Pen inscription on reverse: " 4455 / To(?) Cleaning / & / Repairing / Jacob Hoover / ,75c", indicating cost for service. Dia: 1.875". See Notes.
Provenance
FIC
Abraham S. Beiler (1851-1909)
Benjamin D. Moyer (1825-1890) married to Elizabeth
A. Light overall soil with minor losses/folding at periphery.
B. Overall heavy soil and dark blotches of stain; some paper losses at periphery and folding.
C. Overall heavy soil and dark blotches of stain; much of periphery paper is missing & remainder is tattered & folded.
Object ID
2016.999.2
Notes
Benjamin Moyer listed as watchmaker, age 43, in1870 Census for E. Lampeter.
Abraham S. Beiler, born 1851 died 1909 in Upper Leacock.
Watch papers were originally used as a packing between the inner and outer case of a watch to protect its works. The watch papers which have become the most popular with today’s collectors are those engraved papers used as an advertising medium by watchmakers or as labels are often usually attractive. Many well-known American artists engraved them so that they may have real esthetic value.
By the beginning of the 19th century, watchmakers realized they could use small, round papers in the back of a watch as an advertising medium. It soon became the custom, when they cleaned and repaired a watch, for watchmakers to insert their own papers, perhaps showing an engraved scene with their name and the location of their shops. On the reverse of the paper the watchmaker might note the price and date of repairs.
Watch papers were both printed and engraved on white, cream, buff, orange, blue, green, yellow or rose paper. They vary in size from 1 1/2 inches to 21/2 inches in diameter, but the common size seems to be about 2 inches in diameter. Though watch papers also varied in thickness, the earliest ones are on thicker and higher-grade paper. - See more at:
