Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Holiday Hiatus
The UFO Team would like to wish everyone a happy holiday. We will be away from our research until January 7th, 2008. We hope you have a great end-of-the-year!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Identification Update - Jean Mette UFO
Identification Update:
Thanks to a quick email, the UFO Team was able to discover more information about the Jean Mette UFO. According to an email from Olav Hamran, Senior Curator at the Norsk Teknisk Museum, this particular item is called a "sneppert" in Norwegian or a "fleam" in English. It is more commonly known as a "lancet" or "spring lancet."
Based on this information, we were able to uncover several other photos and references to this item online. The item was often used in blood-letting and was likely also used by mid-wives as they were often more accessible than doctors in the country.
See the references below for more information.
References:
- American Artifacts, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/advert/ay146.htm
- American Artifacts, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/advert/ay147.htm
- Medical Antiques Online, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.antiquemed.com/sale.htm
- Økt bruk av årelating, 2004, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.nrk.no/programmer/radio/norgesglasset/3461302.html
Thanks to a quick email, the UFO Team was able to discover more information about the Jean Mette UFO. According to an email from Olav Hamran, Senior Curator at the Norsk Teknisk Museum, this particular item is called a "sneppert" in Norwegian or a "fleam" in English. It is more commonly known as a "lancet" or "spring lancet."
Based on this information, we were able to uncover several other photos and references to this item online. The item was often used in blood-letting and was likely also used by mid-wives as they were often more accessible than doctors in the country.
See the references below for more information.
References:
- American Artifacts, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/advert/ay146.htm
- American Artifacts, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/advert/ay147.htm
- Medical Antiques Online, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.antiquemed.com/sale.htm
- Økt bruk av årelating, 2004, Retrieved on December 17, 2007 from http://www.nrk.no/programmer/radio/norgesglasset/3461302.html
UFO Ammunition
Location:
While it has long been feared that aliens would invade our planet for nefarious reasons, the UFO Team does not feel this is the case when we discovered two ammunition transportation devices. These pouches or satchels did not appear to be designed to carry a great quantity of ammunition and after further examination, we believe the previous owner was rather benign. He did have para-military experience, but the UFO Team did not discover any negative reports regarding his behavior, his habits, nor his military service. It is our final determination that while the ammunition could still be lethal, the primary function was not for use against humans.
Description:
Of the two ammunition pouches, they are both made of leather. The first has a bear on the left and a buck on the right. The flap is held closed with a metal snap. On the flap, just above the snap, are the initials "W. P." The pouch does show signs of wear and has several stains on the outside. The leather is in good condition and has semi-gloss surface. Inside the first pouch are several rounds of ammunition. There is a stiff cardboard divider that gives enough room for twenty rounds. The ammunition is a mix of Remington and various other manufacturers. The rounds appear to be 7.62 NATO or .30-06 style.
The second pouch is also made of the same semi-gloss leather with a metal snap to close the lid flap. Above the snap is a flower design. On the face of the pouch are the initials "W.P." There are only six rounds of ammunition, all bearing the markings "WCC61" on the tail of the casing rim.
Unique Marks:
Pouch 1 - [bear image], [buck image], W.P.
Pouch 2 - [flower image], W.P.
Ammunition - WCC61, 308 WIN R-P
History:
There is not a lot known about the origins of the these ammunition pouches. Fortunately there is a lot known about the previous owner, Warren Phillips. Hopefully a bit of history behind him will provide a better understanding behind the pouches.
Warren Milo Phillips was born May 10, 1905 in Cherry County, Nebraska. He was the son of George Phillips and Jessie (Piester) Phillips. He never married and never had children. He died May 7, 1986 in Malheur County, Oregon, three days shy of his 81st birthday.
Photos:
References:
- Hooker County Tribune, Warren Phillips dies in traffic accident, May 22, 1986
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
While it has long been feared that aliens would invade our planet for nefarious reasons, the UFO Team does not feel this is the case when we discovered two ammunition transportation devices. These pouches or satchels did not appear to be designed to carry a great quantity of ammunition and after further examination, we believe the previous owner was rather benign. He did have para-military experience, but the UFO Team did not discover any negative reports regarding his behavior, his habits, nor his military service. It is our final determination that while the ammunition could still be lethal, the primary function was not for use against humans.
Description:
Of the two ammunition pouches, they are both made of leather. The first has a bear on the left and a buck on the right. The flap is held closed with a metal snap. On the flap, just above the snap, are the initials "W. P." The pouch does show signs of wear and has several stains on the outside. The leather is in good condition and has semi-gloss surface. Inside the first pouch are several rounds of ammunition. There is a stiff cardboard divider that gives enough room for twenty rounds. The ammunition is a mix of Remington and various other manufacturers. The rounds appear to be 7.62 NATO or .30-06 style.
The second pouch is also made of the same semi-gloss leather with a metal snap to close the lid flap. Above the snap is a flower design. On the face of the pouch are the initials "W.P." There are only six rounds of ammunition, all bearing the markings "WCC61" on the tail of the casing rim.
Unique Marks:
Pouch 1 - [bear image], [buck image], W.P.
Pouch 2 - [flower image], W.P.
Ammunition - WCC61, 308 WIN R-P
History:
There is not a lot known about the origins of the these ammunition pouches. Fortunately there is a lot known about the previous owner, Warren Phillips. Hopefully a bit of history behind him will provide a better understanding behind the pouches.
Warren Milo Phillips was born May 10, 1905 in Cherry County, Nebraska. He was the son of George Phillips and Jessie (Piester) Phillips. He never married and never had children. He died May 7, 1986 in Malheur County, Oregon, three days shy of his 81st birthday.
Photos:
References:
- Hooker County Tribune, Warren Phillips dies in traffic accident, May 22, 1986
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Jean Mette UFO
Update:
Go here to read the latest on this item.
Location:
The UFO Team has decided to not even attempt a guess at where this particular UFO was used last. We've decided to leave it at the simple fact (or best guess) that it is a medical device of some sort. This UFO was discovered in two separate time-space format conditions; one being heavily rusted and pitted from use, the other showing minimal signs of wear and degradation.
Description:
The first Jean Mette is heavily rusted in several places. The general size and shape is similar to a cigarette lighter. The body is made of brass or a brass-like metal that has a yellow and golden color. One end of the body is rounded and has a slight bulge. The other end is flat and has a small notch. The shape is almost like a musical note. The reverse of the body has a small pry mark area where a cover can be removed. The small notch is continued around like a bead on a piece of decorative molding.
On one side is a steel or iron shaft the runs parallel most of the length of the body. The shaft is attached via a small clasp that protrudes from the body. The end of the shaft is pointed on one end (nearest the round end of the body) and tapered on the other.
When looking at the shaft protruding from the body, there are two other pieces of steel or iron protruding from the end of the body. One is curved in a slight semi-circle and the other is straight with a curved blade-like end. The blade-like end is broken.
The second Jean Mette UFO is nearly identical in shape and size. Differences include a shaft that is more flat, than point at the curved end. It also has grooves for a presumably better grip. Also, the blade-like end is intact and looks like a curved cutting blade in the shape of a number 7. The shaft of the 7 would be inside the body of the case while the top represents the blade. Another difference is the body has a screw in place on the curved end near the shaft.
One final difference in the second Jean Mette is the presence of a storage case and another blade-like item. The case is a black exterior made of a leather-like material. Inside is a red velvet material with the name "JEAN METTE" in gold on the reverse of the lid. The body of the UFO lays in the bottom. On the reverse of the lid is a small strap that, when pulled, exposes another blade-like device in the shape of a 7. This particular blade has a sharper point on the sharp end and also shows a small hole on the other end, possibly for the screw. While the blade in the body is generally in good shape, the one in the case is slightly rusted.
Unique Marks:
Reverse of Box Lid - JEAN METTE
History:
This device, if it actually is a medical device used in child birth, was likely owned by Olava (Hanson) Richard. She immigrated from Norway in 1873 and nearly ten years later moved to Nebraska where she lived with her husband, William. She is rumored to have been a mid-wife or person of import in a similar capacity (nurse, physician's assistant, etc.).
Photos:
References:
- Antika.no, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://antika.no/index.php/Medical-instruments/Jean-Mette-lens-set/Detailed-product-flyer.html
- The Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://www.tidsskriftet.no/pls/lts/PA_LTS.Vis_Seksjon?vp_SEKS_ID=641460 (PDF version available here)
- The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://www.tekniskmuseum.no/no/samlingene/MND%20gjenstand/okt2001/obj111330.htm
Go here to read the latest on this item.
Location:
The UFO Team has decided to not even attempt a guess at where this particular UFO was used last. We've decided to leave it at the simple fact (or best guess) that it is a medical device of some sort. This UFO was discovered in two separate time-space format conditions; one being heavily rusted and pitted from use, the other showing minimal signs of wear and degradation.
Description:
The first Jean Mette is heavily rusted in several places. The general size and shape is similar to a cigarette lighter. The body is made of brass or a brass-like metal that has a yellow and golden color. One end of the body is rounded and has a slight bulge. The other end is flat and has a small notch. The shape is almost like a musical note. The reverse of the body has a small pry mark area where a cover can be removed. The small notch is continued around like a bead on a piece of decorative molding.
On one side is a steel or iron shaft the runs parallel most of the length of the body. The shaft is attached via a small clasp that protrudes from the body. The end of the shaft is pointed on one end (nearest the round end of the body) and tapered on the other.
When looking at the shaft protruding from the body, there are two other pieces of steel or iron protruding from the end of the body. One is curved in a slight semi-circle and the other is straight with a curved blade-like end. The blade-like end is broken.
The second Jean Mette UFO is nearly identical in shape and size. Differences include a shaft that is more flat, than point at the curved end. It also has grooves for a presumably better grip. Also, the blade-like end is intact and looks like a curved cutting blade in the shape of a number 7. The shaft of the 7 would be inside the body of the case while the top represents the blade. Another difference is the body has a screw in place on the curved end near the shaft.
One final difference in the second Jean Mette is the presence of a storage case and another blade-like item. The case is a black exterior made of a leather-like material. Inside is a red velvet material with the name "JEAN METTE" in gold on the reverse of the lid. The body of the UFO lays in the bottom. On the reverse of the lid is a small strap that, when pulled, exposes another blade-like device in the shape of a 7. This particular blade has a sharper point on the sharp end and also shows a small hole on the other end, possibly for the screw. While the blade in the body is generally in good shape, the one in the case is slightly rusted.
Unique Marks:
Reverse of Box Lid - JEAN METTE
History:
This device, if it actually is a medical device used in child birth, was likely owned by Olava (Hanson) Richard. She immigrated from Norway in 1873 and nearly ten years later moved to Nebraska where she lived with her husband, William. She is rumored to have been a mid-wife or person of import in a similar capacity (nurse, physician's assistant, etc.).
Photos:
References:
- Antika.no, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://antika.no/index.php/Medical-instruments/Jean-Mette-lens-set/Detailed-product-flyer.html
- The Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://www.tidsskriftet.no/pls/lts/PA_LTS.Vis_Seksjon?vp_SEKS_ID=641460 (PDF version available here)
- The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Retrieved on December 12, 2007 from http://www.tekniskmuseum.no/no/samlingene/MND%20gjenstand/okt2001/obj111330.htm
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Enicar
This is the last of the watch-related UFOs. We will continue to bring new UFOs, so don't change the channel!
Location:
This particular UFO appears to be either the older cousin or the favorite cousin of the other watches as it shows the most wear. The edges of both front and back covers have the distinctive wear pattern of steady use or old age. This UFO was easily opened for examination and gave little trouble to the UFO inspection team.
Description:
Gold and brass in color, the case shows heavy wear. The front face is white with black numbers. The hour number are facing up relative to the 12 o'clock position. The hour hand has a spade shape on the end while the minute hand is a straight shaft. The seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position and is missing the hand. The second numbers are facing the inset dial. No minute number are present. The word "Enicar" is present on the front face, between the center dial and the 12 o'clock hour. The word "Swiss" is barely visible below the 6 o'clock position.
With the front face removed, the word "Swiss" is easily visible. There are some hairline fractures in the face at the 5 o'clock position.
The rear shows distinctive yellow paint that is shared with the other watches. The reverse of the rear cover shows the word "Scepter" and "Warranted 10 Years." The numbers "4843380" are also present in a V shape with the first "3" being in the bottom position.
Unique Marks:
Reverse of the rear cover - Scepter [inside a trapezoidal shape], Warranted 10 Years, 4843380 [in a V shape], W11,813*, =2nd* - *Hand etched number, letters, and symbols
Inner workings of watch - Enicar Swiss, 7 Jewels, 2 Adj.
History:
Enicar is still in business today and focuses primarily on wrist watches. According to their web site, they were founded in 1854 and is one of the earliest watch makers in Switzerland. Enicar was also chosen as the official watch for the Swiss team of climbers that successfully reached the top of Mount Everest in 1956.
Photos:
References:
- Enicar Watches, Retrieved on December 10, 2007 from http://www.enicar.com/
Location:
This particular UFO appears to be either the older cousin or the favorite cousin of the other watches as it shows the most wear. The edges of both front and back covers have the distinctive wear pattern of steady use or old age. This UFO was easily opened for examination and gave little trouble to the UFO inspection team.
Description:
Gold and brass in color, the case shows heavy wear. The front face is white with black numbers. The hour number are facing up relative to the 12 o'clock position. The hour hand has a spade shape on the end while the minute hand is a straight shaft. The seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position and is missing the hand. The second numbers are facing the inset dial. No minute number are present. The word "Enicar" is present on the front face, between the center dial and the 12 o'clock hour. The word "Swiss" is barely visible below the 6 o'clock position.
With the front face removed, the word "Swiss" is easily visible. There are some hairline fractures in the face at the 5 o'clock position.
The rear shows distinctive yellow paint that is shared with the other watches. The reverse of the rear cover shows the word "Scepter" and "Warranted 10 Years." The numbers "4843380" are also present in a V shape with the first "3" being in the bottom position.
Unique Marks:
Reverse of the rear cover - Scepter [inside a trapezoidal shape], Warranted 10 Years, 4843380 [in a V shape], W11,813*, =2nd* - *Hand etched number, letters, and symbols
Inner workings of watch - Enicar Swiss, 7 Jewels, 2 Adj.
History:
Enicar is still in business today and focuses primarily on wrist watches. According to their web site, they were founded in 1854 and is one of the earliest watch makers in Switzerland. Enicar was also chosen as the official watch for the Swiss team of climbers that successfully reached the top of Mount Everest in 1956.
Photos:
References:
- Enicar Watches, Retrieved on December 10, 2007 from http://www.enicar.com/
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Ingersoll Reliance Watch
Location:
This particular Ingersoll Reliance appears to be a close cousin to the three Elgins in the watch pod. But this cousin has an attitude and should be treated with care. Without the slightest provocation, the hands on the face lashed out at the UFO team member doing the examination. Upon further examination, the rear of the UFO refused to open and would only move a small amount. Because of the stubborn actions of this cousin, the UFO team is unable to provide a full report.
Description:
The case is silver in color and has a white face. The hour numbers are in black and are facing up, relative to the winder at 12 o'clock. The hour hand is pointed at the outermost end, with a small inset circle just before it. Between the hole in the circle and the center of the dial is a slight bulge. The minute hand is narrow with a slight bulge in the middle. The second hand is missing. The dial for the seconds is located at the 6 o'clock position and bears "Made in U.S.A." written above it. The seconds are numbered every ten seconds with the numbers facing the center of the seconds dial. Between the center of the dial and the 12th hour is the label "Ingersoll Reliance." The front cover screws off and the glass/plastic piece is missing. The rear appears to screw off but was unable to be removed.
Unique Marks:
Front face - Ingersoll Reliance, Made in U.S.A
History:
Ingersoll watches were famous for being dollar watches, which was roughly a days wages in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular model appears to be a 79144 case.
Photos:
References:
- Antique Pocket Watch, Retrieved December 5, 2007 from http://www.antique-pocket-watch.com/ingersoll-watch.html
- Web Horologists Web Ring, Retrieved December 5, 2007 from http://gallery.webhorology.com/displayimage.php?pos=-1760
This particular Ingersoll Reliance appears to be a close cousin to the three Elgins in the watch pod. But this cousin has an attitude and should be treated with care. Without the slightest provocation, the hands on the face lashed out at the UFO team member doing the examination. Upon further examination, the rear of the UFO refused to open and would only move a small amount. Because of the stubborn actions of this cousin, the UFO team is unable to provide a full report.
Description:
The case is silver in color and has a white face. The hour numbers are in black and are facing up, relative to the winder at 12 o'clock. The hour hand is pointed at the outermost end, with a small inset circle just before it. Between the hole in the circle and the center of the dial is a slight bulge. The minute hand is narrow with a slight bulge in the middle. The second hand is missing. The dial for the seconds is located at the 6 o'clock position and bears "Made in U.S.A." written above it. The seconds are numbered every ten seconds with the numbers facing the center of the seconds dial. Between the center of the dial and the 12th hour is the label "Ingersoll Reliance." The front cover screws off and the glass/plastic piece is missing. The rear appears to screw off but was unable to be removed.
Unique Marks:
Front face - Ingersoll Reliance, Made in U.S.A
History:
Ingersoll watches were famous for being dollar watches, which was roughly a days wages in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular model appears to be a 79144 case.
Photos:
References:
- Antique Pocket Watch, Retrieved December 5, 2007 from http://www.antique-pocket-watch.com/ingersoll-watch.html
- Web Horologists Web Ring, Retrieved December 5, 2007 from http://gallery.webhorology.com/displayimage.php?pos=-1760
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Elgin Pry Open
Location:
While this UFO was initially found with it's relatives The First Elgin and the Elgin Sidewinder, this particular Elgin has recently relocated to the examination cube for further research. Upon initial examination, the front cover easily came off. However, the UFO began to exhibit signs of being shy and refused to open very much. Further prying resulted in no further details.
After letting the UFO adjust to the new surroundings, a secondary examination resulted in better results. With a slight tug and jiggle, the front piece easily pried open to reveal the inner workings of the UFO. Once the exam was complete, the Elgin Pry Open was safely returned to its new home.
Description:
Like the other Elgins, this one shares the same face style of a white background with black hour numbers and red minute numbers. The hours are facing up (relative to the winder being at 3 o'clock) and the minutes face the middle of the dial. The smaller second dial has black numbers facing up as well.
Only the hour and second hand appear to be intact. The hour hand has a sharp bend near the middle of the dial of approximately 50 to 60 degrees. The minute hand is broken just shy of the middle of the dial. The front glass/plastic cover is missing. There is a large amount of dust and grime coating the face.
The rear of the case is speckled with dirt, stains, and what appears to be small amounts of rust. Yellow paint is also present, linking it to the other two Elgins.
With the front cover removed, a small hinge is visible at the 3 o'clock position and a corresponding indent for prying is located at the 9 o'clock position. As previously mentioned, during the first examination the face would only lift about 1/8th of an inch.
After further research, the second examination revealed the winder needed to be pulled out from the watch body. Once pulled and "jiggled" (a professional term for gently rocking the winder back and forth with slight pressure), the face pried open completely to reveal the inner workings.
Unique Marks:
Inside rear cover - Patented Trade [five pointed star and a crescent moon] Mark 642, L [over a line] 4352*, L [over a line] 7858*, 12x2x423*, 533L*, [three small horizontal lines] 24* - *Hand etched number, letters, and symbols
Inner workings - Elgin Nat'l Watch Co., Fast, Slow, 15 Jewels, Saftey Pinion, U. S. A., 14038782
History:
Technical details of the watch can be found here.
- Built in 1908
- Grade 312
- Class 109
- Size 16
- 15 Jewels
- Hunter case
- 3/4 Plate
- Nickel Demaskeening
- Model 6
- Pendant Set
Photos:
References:
- Copious amounts of information retrieved from http://elginwatches.org/index.html
Special Thanks:
- Special thanks to Kurt R. A. Giambastiani. This private hobbyist and watch uber-enthusiast is also known for his popular Fallen Cloud saga books and for being an all-around great guy.
While this UFO was initially found with it's relatives The First Elgin and the Elgin Sidewinder, this particular Elgin has recently relocated to the examination cube for further research. Upon initial examination, the front cover easily came off. However, the UFO began to exhibit signs of being shy and refused to open very much. Further prying resulted in no further details.
After letting the UFO adjust to the new surroundings, a secondary examination resulted in better results. With a slight tug and jiggle, the front piece easily pried open to reveal the inner workings of the UFO. Once the exam was complete, the Elgin Pry Open was safely returned to its new home.
Description:
Like the other Elgins, this one shares the same face style of a white background with black hour numbers and red minute numbers. The hours are facing up (relative to the winder being at 3 o'clock) and the minutes face the middle of the dial. The smaller second dial has black numbers facing up as well.
Only the hour and second hand appear to be intact. The hour hand has a sharp bend near the middle of the dial of approximately 50 to 60 degrees. The minute hand is broken just shy of the middle of the dial. The front glass/plastic cover is missing. There is a large amount of dust and grime coating the face.
The rear of the case is speckled with dirt, stains, and what appears to be small amounts of rust. Yellow paint is also present, linking it to the other two Elgins.
With the front cover removed, a small hinge is visible at the 3 o'clock position and a corresponding indent for prying is located at the 9 o'clock position. As previously mentioned, during the first examination the face would only lift about 1/8th of an inch.
After further research, the second examination revealed the winder needed to be pulled out from the watch body. Once pulled and "jiggled" (a professional term for gently rocking the winder back and forth with slight pressure), the face pried open completely to reveal the inner workings.
Unique Marks:
Inside rear cover - Patented Trade [five pointed star and a crescent moon] Mark 642, L [over a line] 4352*, L [over a line] 7858*, 12x2x423*, 533L*, [three small horizontal lines] 24* - *Hand etched number, letters, and symbols
Inner workings - Elgin Nat'l Watch Co., Fast, Slow, 15 Jewels, Saftey Pinion, U. S. A., 14038782
History:
Technical details of the watch can be found here.
- Built in 1908
- Grade 312
- Class 109
- Size 16
- 15 Jewels
- Hunter case
- 3/4 Plate
- Nickel Demaskeening
- Model 6
- Pendant Set
Photos:
References:
- Copious amounts of information retrieved from http://elginwatches.org/index.html
Special Thanks:
- Special thanks to Kurt R. A. Giambastiani. This private hobbyist and watch uber-enthusiast is also known for his popular Fallen Cloud saga books and for being an all-around great guy.
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