Historical
Images Courtesy of National
Watch & Clock Museum
AUCTIONS AND VINTAGE WATCHES
Minute hand and dial.
Luther Goddard's signature engraved on top plate.
AMERICA’S FIRST WATCH
MANUFACTURER
BY KEITH LEHMAN
ecently, I did a graphic design for the newly acquired
Luther Goddard pocket watch displayed at the
National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia,
Pennsylvania.
The Massachusetts Shrewsbury Historical Society supplied
an image of a painting of Luther Goddard. His story is one of
opportunity, global trade, ingenuity and setback—a microcosm
of the greater forces of the past and present world. After many
hours of research, piles of sketches, and notes from thoughts
and discussions with Museum Curator Kim Jovinelli and
Museum Director Noel Poirier, a powerful and relevant message
came to the fore.
The information that follows tells of Luther Goddard and why
he lost his business to foreign competition.
R
Serial number “462” and "Shrewsbury” engraved on top plate.