All about Gruen

[Mr. Bieser]

This is a subject that I have deep interest in; case stamps that are rare, uncommon, strange, seldom seen, or anomaly's. So why not start a thread? Since these stamps are often on the inside caseback, I suggest adding a shot of the full case, and mentioning the calibre if it's not clear, for context.

Interesting one "GOLD FLD"

Very uncommon "18k" in "eye" . Cal 127.

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[Dietrich]

Oh, yes, interesting!
#1 was clearly misstamped and later when serial and style number were added the failure was corrected. But if you are lucky they ran out of bottoms and yours is solid 14k with a gold filled top?
#2 is for sure rare, I don't think that I have seen such an eye mark in a Gruen.

[Fred]

Unique finds! That would be a boon, if the back might be solid carat.

And good thread—will have to peruse through my collection

[Fred]

From a Cartouche 101. Also seen on Cartouche 87. Less common to see Gruen in cursive font, but the intriguing thing is the case number. Best I can fit the watch to a date range, this appears to be an Ultra Quality case line number stamped in a Cincinnati line case. Examples noted between 422.8k (this one) to 424.9k. So possibly just 2k pieces in the run. Highest case number seen was on a Cartouche 87.

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[Dietrich]

Yes, I have also observed the cursive or as I call it handwriting font in one of my watches but the serial number range is new to me. Have never observed one in that number range from the era.

[Mr. Bieser]

Very interesting and odd, first for me too. You've seen it in a Cartouche 87 too you say? I'll need to look these up later, what they look like.
Here's some seldom seen "Platinum Line" stuff in case you've not seen. What is the prevailing theory on the letter designations? A reference to dial?

[Fred]

Both 87 & 101 have identical Reinforced sisters (82 & 100 I think), all seen so far are signed Wadsworth.

Yes, I have also observed the cursive or as I call it handwriting font...

For comparison, the other/different handwriting font, circa same era, from the Reinforced case line (833-8)

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[Fred]

What is the prevailing theory on the letter designations? A reference to dial?

Unsure for me. Others may have one. At one point thought of laying all out and putting like with like. Here is 3E155 & your E155, for instance

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[Dietrich]

I have a few ideas what the letters could mean but this is pure speculation without evidence.

[Fred]

You've seen it in a Cartouche 87 too you say? I'll need to look these up later, what they look like.

Sorry, yes, forgot to upload pics of fronts—edited in post

Also, a dressed up Cartouche 101 variant is the only place I’ve seen a 4,000,000 Cincinnati line case number in the 1920s. Yes, circa 1924/25