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Lathem Watchman's Clock c. 1910-1930's

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 250.00 USD
Lathem Watchman's Clock c. 1910-1930's
For sale in this lot is a Lathem Watchman's Clock, manufactured by Lathem Watchman's Clock Company out of Atlanta, Georgia. The watchman clock was used between 1910 and 1930 it was actually a piece of new technology to see that a night watchman was properly doing his rounds. It worked this way. By definition a night watchman was on the job while everyone else was asleep. So theoretically it was possible for a night watchman to take a little time off from his job without anyone knowing because they were asleep. However, if the guard could prove he was doing his rounds, and was in the right place at the right time, his job performance couldn’t be questioned. This led to the watchman’s clock. A guard would carry this clock and proceed on his rounds throughout the night. At certain places there would be a “station” with a key that he would put into the clock which would record what time he had visited that station. There were numerous stations within the hotel and on the grounds. With the advent of modern computer and video technology, this device became completely obsolete. The clock includes a key. The clock is in very-good aesthetic condition, but mechanical condition is unknown. Without the carry strap, the clock measures 6 3/4" across, and 3 1/4" thick.