A pocket watch manufactured by the Rockford Watch Co. in 1877 has this name on the face: “Anderson’s Railway.” Since I have found no evidence there was ever a operating railway by that name, I suspect it may have been the name of a railway equipment company. The original owner of the watch lived in Central Illinois and worked for a railroad. Any ideas?
There’s at least one book on railroad watches plus many on pocket watches. “Anderson’s Railway” may be the watch model designation. Google or Bing for Rockerford Watch Co. and Anderson’s Railway. Check local historical societies, too. And local jewelers…I have found some of them have collections and extensive knowledge of pocket and railroad watches or know who does.
Great suggestion. I do have several pocket watch books, including a short history of the Rockford Watch Company. Unfortunately, there is no mention of “Anderson’s Railway.” My own jeweler (a watch maker as well as jeweler) has not been able to find any reference to “Anderson’s Railway.” So, the search continues. Rockford Watch Company records show the watch in question was designated as a Model 8. It was one of 500 manufactured in 1887. It is a size 18, thus indicating it may have been used as a railroader’s watch. It is possible it was a presentation watch.