Presentation Silver Watch From The Officers of the 42nd Regiment (Black Watch)

Presentation Silver Watch From The Officers of the 42nd Regiment (Black Watch).  Believe this is a size 12 (case circumference is 2″), hallmarked with maker (unidentified by me), and marked 925 silver.  The silver chain and fob are both hallmarked as well.

The case cover is open, exposing the dial allowing the reading of time without opening the cover.  Black enameled Roman numbers are displayed around the opening. The dial has a slightly sunken second hand, with hour and minute hands being fire blued. The back of the case has the engraved insignia of “The Black Watch.”   There is no markings on the movement other than a number, and I don’t know enough about watches to say how many jewels if any.  The movement cover is engraved with the presentation, “Presented To  Private J. Tait / By The Officers / In Recognition Of His Work As Silverman.”  

The chain is hallmarked in several places; the Birmingham hallmarked fob has the Royal seal of Scotland, the Rampant Lion in black enamel. The back side is marked, “5th 4th 1858 / J.C.F. / 5th 4th 1928.” Not sure here, but these numbers, I assume refer to the company in the battalion.

Condition overall; the case shows light wear, closes up nice and tight. No notable damage.  The works are not marked as stated except for a serial number (410475).  The watch winds, but is not running.

The Silverman with the Scottish battalions/regiments was in charge of maintaining the regimental silver, and referring to a photo of an interior of the “silver room, contained, mess, trophies, medals, and more. Maybe not viewed as an enviable position, one might take great pride in the work of maintaining the officer’s mess etc.  He would have at times been in a position to see, greet, and meet important guests.

The fob must have belonged to the Silverman prior to Private Tait taking over,  assuming after 1928.  Presumably the watch is that 20s period, and the fob could be earlier.  Needs research.  A most interesting watch for me, a first time in learning about the existence of “Silvermen.”