When did case # stamps begin?

Submitted by 57vert on April 23, 2013 - 4:41pm

When did Bulova start stamping the case number on the inside of the case back?

mybulova_admin
Posted April 23, 2013 - 5:28pm

Hopefully someone knows the exact year but i believe it was sometime during the early 1970s. .

57vert
Posted April 23, 2013 - 6:00pm

I have the 1974 Case Parts Catalog with hundreds of cases listed.  I have no proof just guessing mid to late 1960's?   But would like a more definitive date.

A funny quote from the Catalog: "There are a very small number of old unnumbered cases which are still in the field. If you receive one, and can't identify it properly, forward it on to the case department."

I guess I just happen to have a very small number of the very small number still in the field with unnumbered cases!

mybulova_admin
Posted April 23, 2013 - 11:56pm

In reply to by 57vert

Wow a small number being everything made between 1920s and the 1960s. That's no small number!! :-)

The 3 to 5 digit numbers are normally engraved or stamped in black ink.

DarHin
Posted April 23, 2013 - 9:41pm

Didn't they start stamping the case#'s in ink in the late '50's, early '60's?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted April 24, 2013 - 7:08am

1940's ?

do I hear 1930's?

57vert
Posted April 24, 2013 - 8:23am

Okay, so no easy answer.  I guess it will have to be trial and error.  So everyone, open your case backs, identify the year and we'll see who has the earliest model with a stamp on the case!

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted April 26, 2013 - 7:51pm

Caseback stamped 48 (1948).

The inside is ink stamped with the Case reference # 3-67P

(1948 HIS EXCELLENCY "UU")

It would be interesting to see if anyone has anything dated earlier.

The trouble with the ink stamps are that they wash off at the cleaners....

 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted June 9, 2013 - 6:01pm

1942

Case reference # 36E