Isaac Reed Pocket Watch
Isaac Reed Pocket Watch
Isaac Reed was born in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1773. He worked as a silversmith and watchmaker from 1800 to 1820 in Frankford, Pennsylvania (Voss). Isaac Reed was in Philadelphia by 1819 and partnered with his sons, Osman Reed and G. Washington Reed in the firm Isaac Reed & Son from 1831 to 1850. A watch paper records their location at 176 North Second Street in Philadelphia. Interestingly, Isaac Reed apparently invented the gold nib used in fountain pens. Catherine Hollan has extensive information on this family in her Philadelphia Silversmiths book (Hollan, 166).
Isaac Reed Watch Movement
HV Case Maker's Mark
Verge fusee movement, serial number 10456, with oversize three arm uncut steel balance, plain balance table and stop feature. Enamel dial with seconds.
Matching silver pair cases with London date assay mark for 1832 and maker's mark "HV" (unidentified case maker).
Isaac Reed & Son watch paper displayed for reference. It reads, Clock & Watch Makers, 176 North Second Street, Corner of Vine, Philada.
Additional References and recommended reading:
Catherine Hollan, Philadelphia Silversmiths and Related Artisans to 1861, Hollan Press, Missouri, 2013
William Erik Voss, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths