Civil War Mobil Pocket Watch Repair Station?

Smitty500mag

I found this photo on another forum and I sort of doubt it was a repair station for pocket watches. I would be more inclined to believe that it was a temporary telegraph station in the field. Having accurate time pieces was definitely important but I just don't believe they would have strung telegraph lines just for ordering watch parts.

"Rare CW image of a Suttler's wagon converted to Mobile Pocket Watch Repair Station. Telegraph line proved helpful in ordering parts and replacement stock."

dcon12

Can you just imagine how slow his computer was hooked up to the telegraph line! Don

bustedknee

Someone is pulling someone's leg.

hillbille

look more like state road workers than watch repairmen..........

buschmaster

yeah, it was probably easy to climb the pole and tie into the lines. I could see someone doing that.

gruntled2

jim_lemay wrote:

Telegraph correct time source? :roll:

INT QTR

babun

I have heard of watch repair men RIDING the trains to fix pocket watches.
All train employees had pocket watches and most of the "upper" class train riders had them too.
More potential customers than just hitting the back woods small towns.