Chicago Watch Case Co.

Chicago, Illinois

Initial Marking: Chicago,CWCCo

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Years of Operation: 1882-1885

Predecessor: Cohen & Co.

Became the Crescent Watch Case Co. in 1885. Many cases are stamped with a stacked crescent moon and star, reflecting the "Crescent" trade name that would eventually be used after relocating to Brooklyn.

Identification: Cases manufactured by the Chicago Watch Case Company can be identified by an embossed "Chicago" mark or a stamped "C.W.C.Co." accompanied by the stacked "Star Over Crescent Moon" mark. The Chicago mark is commonly contained within a rounded ribbon. The star and moon mark used by the Chicago Watch Case Company is often confused with the side-by-side star and moon mark used by the Crescent Watch Case Company, which was derrived from the original use at the Chicago Watch Case Company. The patent date "Apr. 22. 79." is often stamped with the "C.W.C.Co." mark, referencing Ezra C. Fitch's patented dust-proof watch case design. The Crescent Watch Case Company also utilized this patent, so this mark cannot be used to differentiate between the two makers. Cases with the "Star Over Crescent Moon" mark can be attributed to the Chicago Watch Case Company and are far more rare than the common side-by-side star and moon mark used to identify cases by the Crescent Watch Case Company.

Collectibility: Chicago cases are uncommon and generally enhance the collectibility of a watch when in reasonable condition. The gold-filled "Crescent" grade cases are exceedingly uncommon and are often overlooked due to the assumed attribution to the later Crescent Watch Case Company. The star and moon mark on cases manufactured by the Chicago Watch Case Company is distinctly different than the common side-by-side star an moon mark used to identify cases by the Crescent Watch Case Company.

The Chicago Watch Case Company was organized in January 1882 by George Piper and Leonard Strobel to manufacture patented screw-bezel cases after obtaining the rights from the American Waltham Watch Company.

In 1883, the company introduced the "Crescent" case, an 18-Size model using a patented design by Almer D. Coe. The new case was described as featuring "solid gold bows, joints, plugs, and thumb catches."

In partnership with Robbins & Appleton, the company began manufacturing cases for 8-Size and 14-Size Waltham movements that would not fit in standard cases being produced at the time. This strategic partnership resulted in many of the cases manufactured by the Chicago Watch Case Company being paired with Waltham movements.

In 1885, the company was moved to Brooklyn and renamed the Crescent Watch Case Company.

There was a company that continued to operate under the name "Chicago Watch Case Company" in Chicago in the late 1890s, though it is not considered to be associated with the company that became the Crescent Watch Case Company.

The coin silver cases produced by the company are typically marked "Chicago" while the gold-filled cases are marked "C.W.C.Co." with a star above a bowl-shaped crescent moon. This mark differs from the design later used by the Crescent Watch Case Company featuring a star next to the crescent moon. This distinction is supported by "first use" dates noted in trademark documentation. The early marks used on gold-filled cases by the Chicago Watch Case Company are frequently confused, generally being associated with the Crescent Watch Case Company.

Case Grades

Note: This chart is not intended to be a comprehensive list of grades. Some grades changed traits over time and other grades may not be listed. This chart will be improved as additional information is studied.

Name	Case Material	Gurantee
Chicago Coin Silver Misattributed	Coin Silver
Crescent	Gold-Filled	20-Year
Silver Filled	Silver-Filled

Pocket Watch Database

Chicago Watch Case Co.

Chicago, Illinois

Case Grades