Pocket Watch Database
Thiery Watch Case Co.
Boston, Massachusetts
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Years of Operation: 1882-1885
Predecessor: C.L. Thiery & Sons
Manufactured watch cases using a patented process.
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.
In 1869, Charles L. Thiery was granted his first patent for a unique case manufacturing process while his business was pressumably partnered with John Serex (Thiery & Serex). This company was listed at 7 Harvard Pl. in the 1869 Boston city directory.
In 1870, Thiery was granted an English patent for his watch case manufacturing process.
Crossman indicates the Thiery Watch Case Company was officially organized in 1876 with a capital of $50,000. However, newspaper reports indicate the Thiery Watch Case Company was not organized until 1882.
Around this time, the company supplied cases for the timers manufactured by the Auburndale Watch Company.
In 1879, Thiery considered opening a watch case factory in Montreal, as reported by the Daily Evening Review.
From c.1878-1881, Thiery regularly advertised in local papers as a sales agent for French Salicylates, a rheumatism remedy. It is unclear how this related to his case manufacturing business or whether he did this on the side to earn extra income.
In 1882, The Jewelers' Circular & Horological Review reported that C.L. Thiery & Son had failed:
"The failure of C.L. Thiery & Son, watch case manufacturers, at Boston, is reported. The liabilities are $28,000. There are said to be no assets for the unsecured creditors."
Crossman does not include this company in his historical summaries. Instead, he indicates the Thiery Watch Case Company was organized in 1876. It is unclear how C.L. Thiery & Son is involved in the progression of the Thiery businesses.
While Crossman indicates the Thiery Watch Case Company was organized in 1876, the incorporation of the company in Portland, Maine was reported in the October 3, 1882 issue of the Portland Daily Press. The president was listed as Frederick Curtis and the company issued capital stock of $150,000. This timeline fits with the failure of C.L. Thiery & Sons earlier in the year. Since Thiery was not listed as an offier of the company, it is possible this company was organized to consolidate the case manufacturing assets from C.L. Thiery & Sons.
In 1883, Charles Glatz sercured the agency for Thiery's American-made nickel cases.
In an 1884 issue of The Jewerls' Circular Circular and Horological Review lists the "Thiery Watch Case Co." as "sole manufacturers in the United States of solid nickel and nickel silver cases."
In the February 9, 1885 issue of The Boston Evening Transcript, the failure of the Thiery Watch Case Company was reported.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nickel | Nickel Alloy |