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MMD > Archives > September 1999 > 1999.09.06 > 05Prev  Next


Clarence Hickman #11 - Chas. F. Stoddard's Watch
By James L. Brady

Historical Record of Fiftieth Anniversary Gruen Watch

Bought in 1924 by Mr. Charles Fuller Stoddard and used by him until
1948.  The certificate that came with the watch reads as follows:

  This is to certify that the Gruen Fiftieth Anniversary watch
  Number 544 has passed into the ownership of Charles Fuller Stoddard
  and is to be enregistered as his possession in the Annals of the
  Gruen Watch Makers' Guild.  In witness thereof I have affixed my
  name FRED G. GRUEN, President of the Guild at Cincinnati the 30th
  day of October 1924.

  1874 SEAL 1924
      GRUEN

The watch is pentagonal in shape and at the time of purchase had the
following engravings on the back:

  Top rim - CHARLES FULLER STODDARD,
  Bottom Rim - 29 West 57th Street
    THE AMPICO NEW YORK CITY.

Near the top there is an ellipse containing his initials (CFS) in
  enamel.  Engraved on the works are:

  FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY - EXTRA PRECISION.
  NO. 544 - ALL ADJTS 8 - EIGHT

Inside case is engraved:  PATENTED 3-7-22, GRUEN WERTHIN, CINCINNATI,
  1066812, 18 K.W.

Mr. Stoddard wanted me to have the watch and, according to our mutual
friend, Dr. Harvey Fletcher, of the Bell Telephone Laboratories, he had
specified this in his will.

However, on June 22, 1948 I was presented with the Presidential
MEDAL FOR MERIT and I had invited Mr. Stoddard to be present at the
presentation.  He decided to have the General present me with the
watch at this ceremony.  Engraved on the back of the watch under the
monogram was the following citation:

      PRESENTED TO MY FRIEND
        DR. C. N. HICKMAN
  AS A TOKEN OF MY ADMIRATION OF HIM
  FOR HIS GREAT  CONTRIBUTION TOWARD
   THE WINNING OF WORLD WAR II, AND
   AS A REMEMBRANCE OF THE YEARS WE
      WORKED TOGETHER  1924-1929
               C.F.S.

Being anxious that this special watch, which cost him over $800,
and which is a memento of a truly great man be properly preserved,
I decided, in 1966, to present the watch to Mr. Larry Givens.  He has
shown great appreciation of the AMPICO and respect for the inventor,
MR. CHARLES FULLER STODDARD.  This respect and admiration for Mr.
Stoddard is such that I am sure that the watch could not be placed
in better hands.  I feel sure that Mr. Stoddard would have approved
my action.

I have had the engraver place the following citation on the inside cover:

   PRESENTED TO MR. LARRY GIVENS BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT
   APPRECIATION OF THE AMPICO AND HIS RESPECT FOR THE
  INVENTORY, MR. CHARLES FULLER STODDARD, AND TO INSURE
    THAT THIS MEMENTO FROM A TRULY GREAT MAN WILL BE
    PROPERLY PRESERVED.  C.N. HICKMAN  August, 1966


(Message sent Thu 2 Sep 1999, 16:06:53 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  11, Chas, Clarence, F, Hickman, Stoddard's, Watch

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