Salesman Sample Case, ever seen one?

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on January 15, 2018 - 4:19pm

I just purchased this and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. Anyone ever seen one of these before or have an estimate of age? My guess would be perhaps 1940's. It measures approx 15" across and is made of wood covered with cloth. I've never encountered one and had to have it. One would think this is a pretty uncommon item. Thoughts?

 

mybulova_admin
Posted January 15, 2018 - 6:04pm

WOW! Very nice. Have no idea on the time period though. Will be interesting to see if there are any markings on the case.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 15, 2018 - 7:06pm

I am guessing 1940's based on latches, construction and almost 35 years of antique buying and selling. It might be older, but certainly not much newer. I don't believe it's a retail display based on configuration, which leaves only a tradesman/salesman sample case. It looks more like a briefcase than a store display tray. If it is sales rep presentation related, it seems it would be a fairly uncommon item. Hopefully, someone will be able to put a decade to it based on the tag line  "America's Greatest Watch Value", which sounds like an advertising campaign slogan. It's possible there might be markings on it, but alas, not probable. I am pretty excited about the prospect of sitting and filling it with watches from my collection............

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 15, 2018 - 8:35pm

Started going through ads and the first reference to this slogan was in an ad dated 1947. Also found it used in 1948 and 1949.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 15, 2018 - 11:13pm

Well, you know what you have to start doing when it arrives right??

32 empty spaces...hmmmmmmmmmmm....

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 16, 2018 - 7:29am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

The process of selection of the "chosen 32"  has already begun. After that, I have the dilemma of what to put in the 32 newly vacated spaces. Nature hates empty space, it must be filled.  It's a big responsibility, but I think I'm up to the challenge; "more is better - buy more". Hope my wife is on board.............

Geoff Baker
Posted January 16, 2018 - 5:54am

I saw this one on the bay a while back. Let me know if I can help fill it up.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 16, 2018 - 7:17am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Gee Geoff, that's mighty decent of you! Are you offering to release part of your collection  on a permanent loan to enrich mine? I'll take........oh no, never mind, I can't take advantage of your generousity  ;oP

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 20, 2018 - 6:51pm

It arrived; no unseen identifying marks, but I'm confident it dates late 1940's. Now I need to find a few more of them........

 

mybulova_admin
Posted January 28, 2018 - 8:41pm

Call your doctor now to make an appointment!!! Quick before it takes hold.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 28, 2018 - 9:04pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

It's too late; My name is Bob, I'm a Bulovaholic, and my wife is an enabler... I've been to the doctor and the doctor said "put the lime in the coconut, and buy another watch".