Pocket Watch Database
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Years of Operation: 1848-1876
Predecessor: Charles L. Thiery (New York)
Successor: Thiery & Serex
Boston: 1848-1853, Cambridgeport: 1853-c.1876. In 1858, Thiery joined with John Serex to organize Thiery & Serex. [Crossman]
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 1850, "C.L. Thiery" is listed in the Boston city directory as a watch case maker located at Harrison Ave. and Orange.
Around 1851, Thiery relocated to Cambridge to continue his watch case manufacturing operation.
In the 1852 and 1853 Cambridge Directory, "Charles L. Thiery" was listed as a case manufacturer located at Tremont and Hampshire.
The 1858 Boston city directory lists "Thiery & Serex" as watch manufacturers located at 221 Washington St. (r).
The 1859 "Massachusetts Register" lists "Thiery & Serex" as watch case manufacturers located at 221 Washington St. (r).
The 1859, 1861, and 1862 Boston city directory lists "Thiery & Serex" as watch case manufacturers located at 21 School.
The 1865 Boston city directory lists "C.L. Thiery" as silver platers and watch case manufacturers located at 7 Harvard St. (includes advertisement).
The 1870 Lowell city directory includes an advertisement for "C.L. Thiery" as a "gold and silver plater" and watch case manufacturer located at 151 Washington St. and 7 Harvard Pl. in Boston.