E. Howard Watch Co. (Keystone), Waltham, Mass., an early 20th century series 0 pocket watch with Treadwell Mining Co. connection, 16 size, 23 jewel, stem wind and set, adjusted to 5 positions, temperature and isochronism, damascened nickel bar movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, gold jewel settings, and whiplash micrometric regulator in a 14 karat, yellow gold, reeded edge, engine turned and engraved hunting case with monogram on front cover and maker's details and presentation engraved on gold cuvette, the presentation reading "Monte Benson A Token of Respect from Mexican and 700 Mine Employees Dec. 7th 15 Treadwell Alaska", arabic numeral, outer red 5-minute markers, single sunk white enamel dial with blued steel whip and spade hands, serial #1103784, 94.2g TW, with associated Howard box and license

CASE: Shallow dents; Fine scratches on outer surface of case; Fine scratches on inner surface of case; Case knife scratches on cuvette; Engine turning with moderate wear; Cover extends beyond 90 degrees when opened, front 95 deg, back 100 deg.; Crown replaced, worn; Precious metal content marked. DIAL: Minor crystal glue residue, otherwise very good. HANDS: Oxidation, tip of minute. MOVEMENT PLATES: Very fine and fine scratches on plate; Scratches on barrel bridge between winding wheels; A few pin pricks; Center wheel hole jewel a very poor replacement, now in a brass setting. MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks). Box refinished; Interior with dirt and wear. Monte Benson (1876 - 1920) was foreman of the Alaska Treadwell Mining Company's "Mexican" and "700" mines on Douglas Island, part of the city of Juneau. In addition to the two mines that Benson oversaw, the company also worked two others, the Treadwell and the Ready Bullion. The company operated from 1881 - 1922, and was the largest hard rock gold mine in the world, producing over three million troy ounces. In 1917, the Treadwell, Mexican, and 700 mines, at 500 feet below sea level and the Gastineau channel collapsed and filled with water. It seems likely that the watch was a parting gift following the collapse. Monte Benson then appears as a house member of the Third Territorial Legislature, but relocated to Tacoma, Washington shortly thereafter, circa 1915