By now everyone has read the story of the secret message engraved into President Lincoln's pocket watch by a Washington DC watchmaker that happened to be repairing the watch when he heard of the attack at Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War.
"April 13 — 1861," the first line reads, "Fort Sumpter (sic) was attacked by the rebels on the above date. J Dillon." The second part repeats same date, states the location as Washington and says, "Thank God we have a government."
I was wondering what type of watch Lincoln used. All the articles on this engraving did not say. It turns out that President Lincoln owned a Waltham William Ellery, model 1859. This is an 18 size key-wind watch with 11 jewels and a solid steel balance wheel.
http://www.horologist.com/gallery_9.htm
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However the watch that had the message inscribed in it was not an American watch. This was one made in Liverpool...
A discussion which includes a link to the New York Times article with photos of this other Lincoln watch.
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