Pocket Watch Database

Michael H. Cronin

Philadelphia

Initial Marking: MHC

Location: Philadelphia

Years of Operation: 1878-1882

Successor: H. Muhrs Sons

Cronin operated a case company in New York 1863-1874. After returning to Philadelphia and working with H.G.Gill, he started up another company in 1878. Gold Cases. This company failed in 1882 and the tools and machinery was sold to Muhr & Son. [Crossman]

Identification: Cronin cases can be identified by the marking of a star on top of a crown, typically with the word "Warranted" stamped underneath. This symbol was described by Cronin when he registered the trademark in 1882. When the Muhr company purchased Cronin's case business, the star was changed to a maltese cross, providing a way to distinguish between the two makers. Some Cronin cases are additionally marked with a "MHC" monogram.

Collectibility: Cronin cases are somewhat uncommon and are frequently misidentified as products of H. Muhr's Sons or the Philadelphia Watch Case Company (both having origins with Michael H. Cronin). Cronin cases are more collectible than more common cases due to their early influence in the Philadelphia case market. However, because they are often conflated with Muhr and Philadelphia, the market does not typically demand a premium for these cases.

Cronin cases have been observed with his "Crown and Star" trademark stamped along with a MHC monogram. Silver cases have been observed with "M.H.C." and an eagle symbol (head facing right). A notice in the Philadelphia newspaper published in November 1882 reported that Cronin's business at 618 Chestnut St. had failed.

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 Michael H. Cronin Crown: Crown with Star Warranted M.H.C. Crown Jul 25, 1882
Silver

Company Case Trademarks & Hallmarks