Google Photos, Text, and Unfinished Elgin Plates

I didn't realize that Google Photos can add, and organize, text blocks interspersed with images in an album. This might provide me with a way to post the Watch Project images I currently collect on Google+ when Google+ drops the classic UI, finally killing off its photo support.

View my sample unfinished plates album here.

Signage from the Elgin Watch Factory

NOTICE

Please keep the toilets in a sanitary condition and avoid the trouble resulting from stoppage of the drains.

September 1, 1939
P.E. Stringer, Vice-President

jsexton@mi

Two Unfinished Elgin Movements

This is a pair of unfinished Elgin pocketwatch movements that were taken from the factory before it was torn down. These are both 16 size convertible movements, and for the watch nut (or maybe just the Elgin nut) there several interesting things to note. 

These two uncompleted Elgin 16 size convertible movements have no decoration, obviously, but there are also completely rough. There is flare around some drilled holes, some hole are not yet threaded, and some holes are completely missing. For example, we see that neither of the two stem hollows and openings exist.

Here is some information on an example of one of Elgin's several 16 size convertible grades.

Each unfinished movement is stamped on the dial side of the base plate with a partial serial number consisting of just two digits.

I'm not sure it's possible to tell what grade these are, and when they were made. But here is some more information about one convertible Elgin National Watch Company grade.

Also, find more examples here.

The Elgin Watch Factory, A Rare Aerial Photo

This is an early aerial view of the Elgin watch factory.  In this photo the structure along the far side is absent.  This was at one time one of the largest factories in the world.

The Elgin Pension Fund, and Employee Relief Fund

I've just received these two booklets.  These are from the Elgin National Watch Company, for employees, from the ballpark of 1940s.  They should make for an interesting webpage when I get around to it.

Elgin Watch Receipt, 1897

Here we have a store receipt for an Elgin watch.  It was sold to Miss L. R. Vernon by Hinkley's Jewelry Store in May of 1897.  The warranty has been changed from one to three years.  Too bad the price is not mentioned, but the watch is serial number 2670798, which is a pretty nice 18 size movement.

Elgin National Watch Company Letterhead, 1933

From Elgin National Watch Co

Shares

This a stack certificate for 100 shares of the Elgin National Watch Co, 1920.

From Elgin National Watch Co