When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Vintage 1949 Swartchild & Co. Watchmaker Order Stationery – Form 221
Offered is an original vintage March 31, 1949 Swartchild & Co. order stationery form, a fascinating piece of American watchmaking, jewelry and horological trade ephemera.
The form is identified as:
FORM 221
“FREE — ORDER STATIONERY”
It was used by customers to request additional ordering supplies from Swartchild & Co., a Chicago-based supplier serving the watchmaking and jewelry trades.
Original 1949 Details
The form includes a printed checklist for ordering various types of watchmaker supply paperwork:
* General Order Blanks — checked
* Order Post Cards
* Mailing Envelopes
* Material Envelopes
* Vibration Envelopes
* Swiss Mat’l Order Blank
* Mainspring Order Blanks
* Crystal Order Blanks
The most important historical detail is the original red date stamp:
MAR 31 1949
The form also prominently displays SWARTCHILD & CO. with locations including:
Chicago • Boston • New York • Buffalo • Dallas • Denver • Atlanta
Horological & Watchmaking History
This is an excellent example of the everyday paperwork used within the professional watchmaking and jewelry supply industry during the late 1940s.
Rather than being a modern reproduction or later collector piece, this is an original period business form, providing a small but fascinating look at how watchmakers and jewelers ordered specialized supplies before the age of computerized ordering.
The references to mainspring order blanks, crystal order blanks, Swiss material and vibration envelopes make this particularly appealing to collectors interested in the history of mechanical watches and professional watch repair.
Condition
Vintage original 1949 condition.
Shows normal age-related toning, light handling/storage wear and minor imperfections consistent with nearly 80 years of age. The printing remains clear, and the March 31, 1949 date stamp is easily readable.
Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.
Great For Collectors Of
* Vintage watchmaking & horology
* Watchmaker tools and ephemera
* Swartchild & Co. memorabilia
* Vintage jewelry trade history
* Mechanical watch history
* Chicago business history
* 1940s advertising & paper ephemera
* Vintage forms and stationery
* Americana and occupational history
A very unusual original piece of 1949 watchmaking trade ephemera with an exceptionally clear period date.
