Pocket Watch Database

C.L. Thiery & Sons

Boston, Massachusetts

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Years of Operation: c.1872-1882

Predecessor: C.L. Thiery & Co.

Successor: Thiery Watch Case Co.

An 1882 issue of The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review reported the failure of C.L. Thiery & Son. Crossman does not include this company in his historical summaries. It is unclear how this company evolved in the progression of the Thiery business.

Identification: Thiery watch cases were produced in small quantities over several decades. Initialed cases can be identified by "C.L.T." inside an embossed cartouche. Cases produced during Thiery's partnership with John Serex can be identified with a simple T&S stamped marking. Thiery's nickel cases are generally marked "Thiery Watch Case Co. Boston. Mass." The silver and gold cases are often accompanied by multiple symoblic markings. The most common markings are the star and eagle. Some cases additionally feature a human figure with a stick. Sometimes an illustration of an eye in included with these markings, resulting in four distinct symbols marked on some cases. The layouts of these markings varies widely from case to case. Silver cases are sometimes marked with the Thiery patent dates of Nov. 9, 1869 and Jan. 18, 1870. The cases with the patent dates clearly marked are also seen with all four symbols surrounding the patent markings. These symbols have been observed on both C.L.T. cases and Thiery & Serex cases. Instead of the typical symbols mentioned, some cases feature a lion and a crown mark accompanied by a star. It is unclear what these symbols are meant to indicate. An uncommon enameled case features the names of both Fahys and Thiery. These cases are characterized by a tortoise shell type of exterior enamel and are marked "Fahys' Pat. Flexible Enamel Nickel Case Thiery."

Collectibility: Thiery cases are uncommon and generally interest collectors more than common cases. Thiery manufactured some of the first nickel cases in the United States. The Fahys Enamel Thiery case represents one of the rarest Thiery cases to find, especially in prime condition.

A notice published in the July 8, 1882 issue of the Boston Herald indicates this firm was owned by Charles L. Thiery, Charles W. Thiery, and William O. Thiery.

The 1879 Boston city directory lists "C.L. Thiery & Sons" as watch case manufacturers at 309 Washington St.