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Author Topic:   watch fob thread anyone?
vathek

Posts: 966
Registered: Jun 99

iconnumber posted 07-05-2009 11:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for vathek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
[01-2744]

I thought I'd try and get a watch fob thread going.

This one is from a secret society that got started in the late 19c at the U of MI. Several years ago it became embroiled in controversy over its use of an office in the university and its use of Native American artifacts and I believe it is no longer in existence.

You can see how perceptions have changed just by looking at the nickname on the back.

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Polly

Posts: 1970
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iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 12:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Polly     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Times sure have changed.

Good idea for a thread!

Here's my current favorite. I couldn't resist this one because of the visual pun--the shape of the fob echoing the shape of a bicorne hat. I'm pretty sure it's silver and lead, but no idea whether the musket ball was really found at Waterloo or whether it's from the famous 1815 battle.

Does anyone know whether I'll get lead poisoning if I wear it?

Edit: Forgot to say, there are no marks.

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bascall

Posts: 1629
Registered: Nov 99

iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 03:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is an item that hung on a watch chain in addition to a fob. It is a mystery to me, and it will not surprise me if it remains just that.

The length is one and a half inches, and the only markings are what look like the remnants of Native American decorations.

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vathek

Posts: 966
Registered: Jun 99

iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 03:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for vathek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Polly, just as an aside, it is thought that Annie Oakly died from lead poisoning from constantly handling lead bullets, but that was after many years of doing so.
Bascall, they look more African to me but that's just an opinion.

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bascall

Posts: 1629
Registered: Nov 99

iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 04:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yes, it could very well be african. It did come from a british watch chain which may have been in that part of the former empire at one time.

Sorry; I should have mentioned this is both sides of the same item.

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Polly

Posts: 1970
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iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 04:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Polly     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yikes! Maybe I'll just look at my musket ball from a distance.

I love that perhaps-African object.

Here's my very favorite fob, my great-uncle Leon's scholarship medal. I wish I'd asked Uncle Leon about it while he was alive. It's gold (not silver), made by Tiffany's. Do they still make high school scholarship medals? Somehow I don't think so.

Back:

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FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 07-09-2009 07:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sorry to disappoint, but Annie Oakley died of pernicious anemia, having also suffered a major automobile accident four years earlier that weakened her. I don't think one can get lead poisoning from handling bullets; even casting them, where one is potentially exposed to higher levels of lead through volatilization (in theory, only if heated in excess of 800 degrees F - it melts well below that), I've never heard of health risks. But it is always recommended to heat lead in well ventilated areas, just to be safe.

The dangers of lead ingestion come from lead compounds, which are more soluble, not from the metal itself, which is relatively stable in the environment of a body. It's not unusual for bullets to be left in someone - when removing them would cause more of a risk, or when they're in places where they aren't likely to move and cause harm - and for people to live full lives with them. I've known two people who carried bullets, one in his head and one in her hand.

Polly's Waterloo fob is a great piece, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it really is a bullet from the battlefield. There would've been thousands of them around. But next to impossible to prove one way or the other.

Bascall's piece is, I believe, of Arabic origin, could be North Africa or Middle East. It looks like pendants I see regularly hanging on chains, typically of low-grade silver. A chain girdle might have dozens of them, for example. Also reminiscent of Ethiopian crosses....

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bascall

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Registered: Nov 99

iconnumber posted 07-10-2009 02:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thank you Vathek, Polly and FWG for your comments and insights. The Michigamua fob is a beauty, and the Waterloo fob is amazing.

smileI'm afraid I can't relate to a scholarship metal, but it is a nice one. I'm probably treading on thin ice here but let me just say that this medal can be found online (absolutely no connection to me), not as nice as Polly's though.

I hope this thread flourishes.

[This message has been edited by bascall (edited 07-10-2009).]

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Polly

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iconnumber posted 07-10-2009 03:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Polly     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think my affection for Uncle Leon is spilling over onto his scholarship medal. If it hadn't been his, I probably wouldn't like it so much.

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agphile

Posts: 798
Registered: Apr 2008

iconnumber posted 07-10-2009 06:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agphile     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
But that is absolutely as it should be.Such connections with family, friends or special events must enhance the appeal of any item. I'm hoping my children will eventually treasure some of the pieces I have collected simply because I collected them even if they do not share my obsession with collecting!

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Ulysses Dietz
Moderator

Posts: 1265
Registered: May 99

iconnumber posted 07-12-2009 03:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ulysses Dietz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
tee hee. I know about these from another part of Newark's collection--I believe these are Tuareg (north African) and I found this image listing them as "fertility rings"

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 07-12-2009 06:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
No cause for embarrassment here, but it is interesting to know what the ring might be. Thank you!

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Polly

Posts: 1970
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iconnumber posted 07-12-2009 06:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Polly     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Am I too innocent or not innocent enough? How are these rings used? Or are they symbolic?

How big are they?

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vathek

Posts: 966
Registered: Jun 99

iconnumber posted 07-13-2009 02:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for vathek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I heard about Annie Oakley's cause of death from lead poisoning on PBS I think. Anyway, I enclose this quote

"For many years, the cause of Annie Oakley's death was given as pernicious anemia. A recent article in A&E Biography magazine, however, suggests that it may, in fact, have been the long-term effects of lead poisoning from handling so much live ammunition over a long career."

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FWG

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iconnumber posted 07-16-2009 07:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It certainly makes for a more romantic story, but I'd be deeply skeptical....

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Kimo

Posts: 1627
Registered: Mar 2003

iconnumber posted 07-22-2009 01:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kimo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Polly:
Am I too innocent or not innocent enough? How are these rings used? Or are they symbolic?

How big are they?


The hole in the center is the size of a finger - they are worn on the finger with the long extension pointed up to represent a male member and the wearer's virility. It is most likely made of low content silver.

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 07-22-2009 03:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The piece that I have only has a seven-sixteenth inch diameter whole which would have to be for a rather small finger. However, the idea of this item being African origin and related to a virility symbol makes perfect sense to me.

[This message has been edited by bascall (edited 07-22-2009).]

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middletom

Posts: 467
Registered: May 2004

iconnumber posted 07-23-2009 09:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for middletom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Vathek,

I've been handling lead every day now for the past thirty-eight years in making flatware, both in the bending of the handle for which we use a block of lead as a hammer and for the shaping on the bowls of spoons which is done into lead molds. I have no lead in my system and we have been told by OSHA that the handling of the metal poses no threat.

As to PBS, did they not, a few years ago, film a documentary about the African-American tank unit in World War 11 that liberated Buchenwald concentration camp? Just before the airing of the documentary veterans of the unit came forward and stated that they were nowhere near Buchenwald when it was liberated, in fact a number of hundred miles away. So PBS suddenly decided to not air it. I wonder how they could have filmed a documentary about an event that never took place without knowing that they were entirely wrong. They had to have been aware they were lying. That is why I take anything on PBS with a very large grain of salt.

middletom

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vathek

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iconnumber posted 07-26-2009 12:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for vathek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I argue neither for or against either conclusion but only mention these as theories that are floating around out there, which also includes the one about Roman vintners fermenting their wine in lead pots which may have contributed to the insanity of Nero and Caligula. The word for plumber actually derives from plumbum, the Latin word for lead.
And just as an aside, I guess not many of you have watch fobs to post?

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bascall

Posts: 1629
Registered: Nov 99

iconnumber posted 07-26-2009 01:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here's one of the few watch fobs I have at this time. Sadly the enamel has some damage.


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vathek

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Registered: Jun 99

iconnumber posted 07-27-2009 08:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for vathek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bascall: can you make out the monogram?

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 07-27-2009 01:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It looks like "APMA." I might have had an idea what it stood for thirty odd years ago when this item was purchased but not anymore. Probably a local police association medal for sports that was used as a watch fob.

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Kimo

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iconnumber posted 08-03-2009 09:32 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kimo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It could also be MPAA. There is a Metropolitan Police Athletic Association based in London.

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 08-03-2009 11:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Kimo, that makes sense. The "M & P" are larger. Metropolitan Police would be nice. Thank you!

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agphile

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Registered: Apr 2008

iconnumber posted 08-03-2009 03:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agphile     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to complicate matters, the wreath combined with the crown is reminiscent of the badge of the (British) Military Police who, at hte relevant date had yet to acquire the prefix "Royal". Whether military or metropolitan, I wonder what C.C.C. stood for. Constabulary Cadets Company? Corps Cricket Competition?

[This message has been edited by agphile (edited 08-03-2009).]

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 08-03-2009 05:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Agphile, I don't know much about the British military, but the use of the crown on this badge, does it support your suggestion?

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agphile

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iconnumber posted 08-03-2009 06:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agphile     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Metropolitan Police badge is a sort of silver star shape with a crown above. The Military Police badge is the initials of the reigning monarch within a wreath and with a crown above. The crown therefore fits either interpretation. It is the combination with a wreath that made me suggest the Military.

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 08-04-2009 01:19 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Aghile, thank you.

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agleopar

Posts: 850
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iconnumber posted 08-04-2009 06:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agleopar     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Agphile "I wonder what C.C.C. stood for?"
C.C. is usually a cycling club or cricket club. So how about Chelsea Cycling (or) Cricket Club? I do not know if Chelsea falls in the perview of the "Metropolitan"?

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agphile

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iconnumber posted 08-04-2009 06:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agphile     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yes, Chelsea is in the Met area. I am not sure a police based club would call itself simply Chelsea ..... Club, but it is a possibility.

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bascall

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iconnumber posted 08-04-2009 10:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bascall     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
1929 Cross Country Cycling Novices Team?

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Kimo

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iconnumber posted 08-05-2009 01:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kimo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If it is the police, cycling would make a lot of sense as many police officers were issued bicycles to get about town. A competition for who was the most proficient with their cycle would make sense.

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agphile

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iconnumber posted 08-05-2009 06:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for agphile     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Good point. And back in 1929 cycling might well have been relevant for the military too. As late as the 1950s when I was in the RAF bicycles were issued for getting from one part of an airfield to the other. 20 years earlier I would think they were used even more by all the armed services.

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ahwt

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iconnumber posted 08-20-2009 12:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ahwt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

Above is a watch fob that The Equitable Life Assurance Company presented to my wife's Uncle. He was an executive with the company some years ago and I suspect it was presented to him at an honorary occasion. His daughter now has the watch fob and remembers him wearing it with his pocket watch.

The fob has Tiffany and Company's mark but it is not marked with anything to indicate the metal content. The representation of a robed figure with a shield protecting a mother and child must have been Equitable's symbol at one time.

The base looks black in the photo, but it appears to be green jade.


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ahwt

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iconnumber posted 08-23-2009 05:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ahwt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

Above are pictures of a watch fob, chain and watch that I used many years ago. The fob has what I think are call banded agates as the brown agate has a layer of brown on the top and bottom with white in between. The black one simply has black on the top and white for the remainder. The watch fob is hinged and when open reveals a good size compartment. It may have been a compartment for family pictures.

I included a picture of the watch as it has one of the most attractive faces that I have seen. The watch is a 15 jewel Elgin and the Keystone case is of the warranted for 25 years 14 karat type. These watches were often referred to as Sunday watches – worn more for show than for accurate timekeeping. Also the cost was contained as the case is not solid gold, but actually a sandwich of 14k gold over a base material. This construction is very similar to that used in Old Sheffield Plate and I suspect that it came about for the same reason. The middle class wanted to have pretty things, but did not want to pay the price for solid gold when it was not necessary for the look.

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