Who made this watch?

[philipsearching]

I have a pocket watch passed down from my grandfather (it may have belonged to his father who lived 1873-1916).

I cannot see a maker's name, but the dial and case have the serial number 44860, each part of the case is stamped with the words FINE SILVER on two lines with a star on  each side, and on the inside of the front cover (below the words) is the capital letter R.

My thoughts are that as the piece is not hallmarked it is probably not British, but beyond that I have no idea where to start my search.

Any ideas will be gratefully received.

[PrueM]

According to this topic on a watch forum:
http://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=67942
"Fine Silver" means a more pure silver than Sterling (990 instead of 925) and was not normally used by English makers.
Might be worth a try posting on that forum actually, with some pictures - they might be able to further advise?

Sorry, not much help I know 
Cheers
Prue

[kmart66]

Hi

Can you open the back and see if there is a name on the movement?

Kevin

[philipsearching]

Prue - many thanks for the info on "fine silver" and the link - that gives me an avenue to explore.

Kevin - unfortunately the movement has no markings at all (except for "fast" and "slow" for the speed regulator!) Inside the lid covering the movement are the same marks as on the case.

The hunt goes on!

Philip

[philipsearching]

UPDATE

I have been advised that this could be an Army issue watch issued before 1914, which could explain the lack of a maker's name.

Given that the case is silver I assume it would have been issued to an officer.

The search goes on (and on, and on!)

Philip

[rusted]

A couple of observations that may help.
Fine Silver is much softer than Sterling Silver, I doubt a standard issue Army watch would be made of fine silver, it would tend to dent and scratch badly.
Fine Silver may have been used for a seamans watch, it may not be subjected to the rough and tumble as much as in Army life.
Sterling tends to go black especially in corrosive salty conditions whereas fine silver maintains its shine much better.

[youngtug]

I would have thought that if it was military issue then it would have been marked with a "crows foot"

[philipsearching]

I would have thought that if it was military issue then it would have been marked with a "crows foot"

I wondered about that, but I haven't been able to find out when the broad arrow mark was introduced.

[youngtug]

17th century, maybe earlier versions though