Question Regarding a Possible "Pelham" Outer Retail Box

Submitted by ncmountie on January 28, 2018 - 11:12pm

This is perhaps a mid to late 50's, early 60's outer retail box acquired recently and I am speculating came from the factory containing a "Pelham, 17 J." and probably a retail price of $67.50. The damage to the top sticker from an apparent attempt to remove the sticker occurred prior to my receiving the box. 

Measures: 4  7/8” x 3  3/4” x 1  3/4” (12.4cm x 9.5cm x 4.5cm).

There are bo other writing or marks than shown in photos. The model Pelham, #31733, $67.50 is shown within this site's posted price lists from Jan / Spring 1955, Aug 1955, Sept 1958. And according to Oct 2014 Panel member William Smith post, the Pelham was also reflected in the Fall 1961 and Spring 1964 price lists at $67.50.

Interestingly, #31733 is associated in the Aug 1955 and Sept 1958 price lists with both the Shore and the Sky King creating duplications with the Pelham.

Pelham has also been discussed within this site regarding Bulova crystals. The Pelham is not reflected in the model database, "drop down" model search or advertisements to my knowledge.

It is interesting that there is little reference to the Pelham and the model has never been submitted to the database or appeared in the advertisements to my knowledge. Any thoughts on whether this box was tagged at the factory for a Pelham and/or was somehow repurposed for another model given the additional sticker and significant price difference? Any info on why the Pelham doesn't appear other than the price lists or crystals?

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 29, 2018 - 8:46am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I think you might be on to something here, Rob. Unknown 6803 you reference has an unusual beveled crystal matching the specs and design for a Pelham per crystal labeling. Mine, Unknown 8706 in all probability having a "Gedney" replacement that matched up by size. The box referenced verifies the physical existence of the Pelham and gives substance to the crystal packaging info. Nice "connect the dots", Well done!

Geoff Baker
Posted January 30, 2018 - 6:03am

I'm 100% certain that the box is original Bulova and that per the the price list there was a Pelham model at one time. It's not unusual for there to be no references to a particular Bulova model in the adverts we've found over the years (but it certainly is vexing). I expect the model name not being in the List of Values to select when adding a new watch is only a function of Admin not having added it yet. I doubt the sticker over the original Bulova sticker had anything to do with Bulova as it's non standard and could have been added by anyone for almost any reason.

Regarding the watches linked above by Rob, I stand by my comments at the time, I accept crystal specs as confirmation of an ID but not the primary proof of an ID. I anxiously await an ad showing the Pelham model.

I am curious about the name "Pelham". It's also the name of a very upscale town in New York just north of the city, I wonder if one of the Bulova principles in the 1950's lived there.

ncmountie
Posted February 1, 2018 - 6:18pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Web search regarding any association between the "Pelham” model name, Pelham, NY and “Bulova principles.”

I did not find any reference to the Bulova family in the Pelham, NY; however, John H. Ballard, former president of Bulova until retiring in approximatley 1958, according to a NY Times obituary for Ballard on Oct. 25, 1979, Ballard, age 86, was survived by “...his widow and by three children, John H. Ballard Jr. and Joan Crippen of New York, and William Ballard of Pelham Manor, N.Y.”

The Village of Pelham Manor is located inside the Town of Pelham, approximately 20 miles northeast of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. I attempted to locate other addresses of the Ballard family associated with the Pelham, NY, with negative results.

John H. Ballard, responsible for Bulova's advertising, among other responsibilities and contributions, is credited with the first authorized spot commercial on television in the United States on July 1, 1941. Source and further details available at http://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/25/archives/john-ballard-former-presiden…

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 1, 2018 - 9:50pm

In reply to by ncmountie

Great article, well done NC. Another excellent "connect the dots". Now we know in all probability what the name Pelham refers to.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 1, 2018 - 9:22pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Another piece of the Bulova puzzle falls into place. Well done everyone!