Including Serial Numbers, Grades and Production Dates
Yep, it's a Trenton, and looks to be in excellent shape. I really like the rounding job on the edge near the horn, that's handy for so many things. As for weight, judging by the hardy it looks to be in the 100 to 120 lb range. Unless that hardy is vastly oversized, which is entirely possible. Whatever it's worth to you. May 18, 2009 Yep, it's a Trenton, and looks to be in excellent shape. I really like the rounding job on the edge near the horn, that's handy for so many things. As for weight, judging by the hardy it looks to be in the 100 to 120 lb range. Unless that hardy is vastly oversized, which is entirely possible. Whatever it's worth to you. UPDATE after wire wheeling it, acme trenton on side trenton in a diamond shape. Made by trenton for sears and roebuck has 100 lb stamp and serial number, dates it to 1908. I bet this anvil would. Then I found an old 'acme' (also made by trenton) at 100# for I think it was $200 or so. The edges were mildly munged up, and the face was decent. I guess the operative lesson is that if you hunt and wait, you can find old anvils for a couple of bucks a pound occasionally.
Trenton, New Jersey
1885 - 1908
The Trenton Watch Company was a successor to the New Haven Watch Company, which had been started in 1883 in New Haven, Connecticut, but had undergone financial reorganization in 1887.
The Trenton Watch Factory, Trenton,
New Jersey, as it would have appeared in 1895.
Trenton produced nearly two million watches, most of which were lower to mid-grade pieces in the 7-9-11 jewel range. Most of the watches produced were intended for the domestic market, but factory records indicate that some watches were produced for export to England around the turn of the century. Trenton was subsequently sold to Ingersoll in 1908.
Trenton-produced watches were marketed under a variety of brand names, including: Trenton, Ingersoll Trenton, Fortuna, Calumet USA, Advance Watch Co, Marvel Watch Co, Reliance Watch Co, Locomotive Special and Engineers Special. Both the Engineers Special and Locomotive Special were marked as 23-jewel watches, even though they had only 7 functional jewels... the others were fake and were entirely for appearance! Similarly, the watches sold under the Marvel Watch Co. brand-name were marked 23-jewels, even though all but 7 jewels were non-functional. Some of these 'fake jewel' watches can be quite collectible today.
Trenton also produced two 18-size fly-back chronograph models, both with 9 jewels. Based on a Grade 40 or 41 with chronograph modifications, the watches were produced in limited quantity, and these watches are considered to be quite rare and collectible today.
Trenton Anvils History
Trenton Watch Company
Total Production: Approx. 1.2 Million Watches
| Year | S/N | Size | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1887-1889 | 2001 - 61,000 | 18 | 1 |
| 1889 - 1891 | 64,001 - 135,000 | 18 | 2 |
| 1891 - 1898 | 135,001 - 201,000 | 18 | 3 |
| 1899 - ?? | 201,001 - 300,000 | 18 | 6 |
| 1891 - 1900 | 300,001 - 500,000 | 18 | 4 |
| 1892 - 1897 | 500,001 - 600,000 | 6 | 1 |
| 1894 - 1899 | 650,001 - 700,000 | 16 | 1 |
| 1898 - 1900 | 700,001 - 750,000 | 6 | 2 |
| 1900 - 1904 | 750,001 - 800,000 | 18 | 4 |
| 1896 - 1900 | 850,001 - 900,000 | 12 | 1 |
| 1898 - 1903 | 900,001 - 1,100,000 | 18 | 5 |
| 1902 - 1907 | 1,300,001 - 1,400,000 | 18 | 6 |
| 1900 - 1903 | 2,000,001 - 2,075,000 | 6 | 2 |
| 1902 - 1905 | 2,075,001 - 2,160,000 | 6 | 3 LS |
| 1905 - 1907 | 2,160,001 - 2,250,000 | 6 | 3 PS |
| 1899 - 1902 | 2,500,001 - 2,600,000 | 3/0 | 1 |
| 1905 - 1906? | 2,800,001 - 2,850,000 | 6 | 3 PS |
| 1900 - 1904 | 3,000,001 - 3,139,000 | 16 | 2 |
| 1903 - 1907 | 3,139,001 - 3,238,000 | 16 | 3 OF |
| 1903 - 1907 | 3,500,001 - 3,600,000 | 16 | 3 HC |
| 1905 - 1907 | 4,000,001 - 4,100,000 | 0 | 1 |
Trenton Anvil Pattern
Be sure to use the serial number on the movement (the works) of the watch. Do not use the serial number from the watch case.
Can’t find your serial number in the table? Click here for an explanation and example of how to use our serial number tables.
Need help finding the serial number on your watch? Click here for instructions on how to identify and open most common case types.