Railway Age

The Freak Show: Webb C. Ball’s “Freakish” Railroad Dials: The “Side-wheeler” Watch

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Elgin National Watch Co. “Sidewinder” Watch, Grade H.H. Taylor, c.1875. In addition to the more unusual dials that Webb C. Ball classified as “Freakish” Railroad Dials in his 1920 paper presented at the National Safety Council meeting, he also attacked “side-wheeler” watches (commonly referred...

Dials , History , Patents & Innovations , Railroad Watches , Railroads , Time-Telling , Waltham

The Freak Show: Webb C. Ball’s “Freakish” Railroad Dials: Fitch Marginal Dial

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Waltham’s Staggered Marginal Minute Dial, Attributed to Ezra C. Fitch, c.1900. Webb C. Ball was arguably the most prolific figure associated with time inspection on the railroads. As general.

Dials , History , Patents & Innovations , Railroad Watches , Railroads , Time-Telling

Henry S. Montgomery Defends His Safety Dial Against Attack by Webb C. Ball

By Nathan Moore

Even though the Montgomery Safety Dial was not directly targeted by Webb C. Ball’s paper presented at the 1920 National Safety Council meeting, it was understood the dial was classified.

Webb C. Ball Rejects “Freakish” Railroad Dials

By Nathan Moore

In Dials , History , Railroad Watches , Railroads

Shortly after Henry S. Montgomery introduced the new generation of his “Safety Dial” design in April 1920, Webb C. Ball launched an attack rejecting any dial with “fantastic figures or freakish designs.” Ball was arguably the most prolific figure associated with time inspection on the...