Pocket Watch Database

Margot Bros.

Boston, Mass.

Margot Bros. Image

Initial Marking: MB

Location: Boston, Mass.

Years of Operation: 1861-c.1898

Specialized in Gold Cases.

Specialty: Gold and Silver Cases, Case Repair

Identification: Cases manufactured by Margot Bros. can easily be identified by the embossed "MB" mark appearing within a shape like an open book. Some cases are additionally marked with symbols like a lion or the karat indicator within a shield. Some jeweler-labeled cases were also produced by the company, such as those provided for E. Howard movements. These cases are generally still marked with the familiar "MB" accompanying other marks. Some cases feature a large oval mark with the karat indicator, very similar to the mark used on cases manufactured by Waltham. Some cases are additionally marked "E.F.M.," presummably for Eugene F. Margot. Patented case designs are represented in a small number of cases by Margot Bros., typically marked with the patent date.

Collectibility: Margot Bros. cases are somewhat uncommon compared to the larger gold case manufactures such as Brooklyn. Cases are typically characterized by fine engraving, and the intrinsic metal value makes them desirable by collectors. The patented designs by Margot Bros. are represented in a small number of cases, typically marked with the patent number. These patented case designs are slightly more collectible than the standard Margot Bros. cases.

According to Crossman, the Margot Bros. company was organized in 1861.

Advertisements described the company as specializing in "watch case repairing, springing, re-engine turning, engraving, polishing, etc."

Margot Bros. moved from their location at 23 Water St. in Boson to 11 Franklin St. in 1892.

An advertisement published in the December 28, 1899 issued of The Boston Globe describes "a watch repairing outfit for sale; genuine bargain" at 11 Franklin St. This indicates the Margot Bros. business was discontinued by this time. The last advertisement published by the company for services was around 1895.

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.

Image Name Case Material Gold Content Gurantee Source Catalogs Trademarked
Watch Case Marking for Margot Bros. 14K: MB in Book Ribbon 14K Embossed E.F.M. 14K Gold 14K
Watch Case Marking for Margot Bros. 14K E. Howard Label: E.H.&Co. in Ribbon 14K E.F.M. Pat'd Feb. 21. 92 14K E. Howard Label Gold 14K
Watch Case Marking for Margot Bros. 18K: MB in Book Ribbon K18 in Oval Embossed E.F.M. Pat'd Feb. 21. 92 18K Gold 18K
Watch Case Marking for Margot Bros. Coin Silver: MB in Book Ribbon Coin in Ribbon Coin Silver Coin Silver

Company Logos & Marks