The Appreciation and Authentication of Civil War Timepieces

Clint B. Geller (FNAWCC) examines the intersection of the American Civil War and American watch-making.

Beginning with a definition of a “Civil War watch” and a positioning of the Civil War in American history, Geller proceeds by examining the impact of the Civil War on American perceptions of time, the impact of the Civil War on American watch-making, and in turn the impact of American watch-making on the conduct and course of the war.

The middle section of the book examines the general characteristics of Civil War watches, both domestic and foreign, including movements, dials and hands, watchcases, and the numerous technical features differentiating the most popular models. Geller offers advice for authenticating the provenance of Civil War timepieces and assessing their desirability.

The final section of the book showcases several outstanding Civil War watches, the lives of the men who carried them, their units, and the battles in which they fought and in some cases died.

With 162 images, including many original photos of timepieces, along with tables and extensive references, this book makes an excellent addition to the collection of any horologist, historian, or Civil War enthusiast.