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- Description:
- Fobs are charms that dangle from the end of a gentleman's watch chain and are generally visible outside his waistcoat.Many are just decorative while others, such as this, are useful as seals, mechanical pencils, lockets, etc. The latin on this fob roughtly translates into fine follower or helpful worker, but its exact translation is unknown.It seems plausible that this was a gift to a worker or colleague for work well done.
- Date Issued:
- [1875 TO 1910]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The word fob originally referred to a small pocket in a man's trousers just below the waistline.However, the meaning changed once it began its association with watch chains.Now a fob is known as a decorative ornament or seal suspended by a chain and usually worn with a watch.
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection
- Description:
- The watch chain and good luck charm appear to be from circa 1900.The attached fob/plaque engraved "J.W.D. 1823" does not appear to be that early but may well be circa 1860, perhaps a fortieth or fiftieth birthday present to J.W.D. The plaque was likely added to the chain many years after it was initially presented.Such chains also included a watch, of course, which rested in the waistcoat pocket.It is unknown what White Brothers and Company of Boston manufactured."Willow Calf" may refer to calf leather but is unclear.The horseshoe on the reverse is a traditional good luck symbol when the shoe is pointing upward; then the luck never runs out.
- Date Issued:
- [1895 TO 1905]
- Data Provider:
- Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
- Collection:
- Digital Dress Collection