SMC Discussion Areas

The Coin Return => General Chit Chat => Topic started by: Sodak Bob on July 10, 2013, 06:09:47 pm



Title: New Sign -
Post by: Sodak Bob on July 10, 2013, 06:09:47 pm
This is a little off topic but I picked up this sign at an auction (ouch $$) It has CWT Co. (Chicago Watch and Tool Company) and the word Modern on it.  Very heavy -made of cast.  It used to light up with two bulbs behind the curved painted glass, but the wiring is very old.  I haven't had much luck finding any info... Any help???  Why the time of 8:17 and what year.  I was told it hung on mainstreet in a small town here in South Dakota


Title: Re: New Sign -
Post by: Jacko1070 on July 11, 2013, 08:49:32 am
As for the 8:17.............If memory serves it was an advertising "trick" used by watch companies to splay the hand out as far as possible to show most of the decorated face of a clock.  10:10 was another popular time to use as it looked as if the clock were functioning, rather than straight across like 9:15.   Old wives tale used to also state that it was in honor of fallen Presidents.   Rumor was that was the time that both Kennedy and Lincoln were pronounced dead, although this has since been debunked..................


Title: Re: New Sign -
Post by: Sodak Bob on July 11, 2013, 12:09:06 pm
Thanks -   good info...  I am asking around on another site about the CWT co. but no luck as of yet.


Title: Re: New Sign -
Post by: Sodak Bob on July 14, 2013, 03:38:04 pm
Well I got the sign to light up... Neat piece but I have gained little info as of yet... The search continues.


Title: Re: New Sign -
Post by: johnieG on July 14, 2013, 04:18:32 pm
Nice & at least it's correct twice a day!  :blush: