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Edison 4 min. Cylinder… “Our National Song. The Star Spangled Banner (Descriptive)”
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Timeless Treasures
Here at 4-4 Time, we strive to bring you the best that we can locate. Most of our items are a hundred years of age and older, and all are in working condition unless mentioned in the description. These are timeless items which will become heirlooms for your family and future generations. Have questions about one of our items or looking for something in particular? Send us a message or give us a call. We’ll be glad to help!
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Illinois “King Phillip” Railroad Pocket Watch
Step into the golden age of American railroad history with one of the rarest and most distinguished timepieces ever produced by the Illinois Watch Company. This Illinois 18‑Size “King Phillip” – Special for Railway Service pocket watch represents the pinnacle of late‑19th‑century craftsmanship and stands today as a museum‑worthy treasure for the advanced collector.
Manufactured in 1895 and assigned a coveted 3‑star rarity rating, the “King Phillip” is one of only 350 examples ever made. Very few have survived in such remarkable condition, making this piece an extraordinary opportunity for those who appreciate true scarcity and historical significance.
Inside, the watch features a beautifully preserved 17‑jewel, two‑tone movement, celebrated for its mechanical precision and elegant plate design. The movement remains clean, crisp, and free of corrosion — a testament to more than a century of careful stewardship. Its smooth operation reflects the engineering excellence that made Illinois one of America’s premier watchmakers.
The watch is housed in its original coin silver case, a material prized for its durability and rich, natural patina. Over generations, the silver has developed a warm, even glow that enhances the watch’s authenticity and period charm. The pristine dial, paired with bold railroad numerals, completes the presentation with clarity and confidence — exactly what railroad professionals depended on during the era of steam and steel.
Pieces of this caliber rarely surface. With its low production, original silver case, exceptional movement, and outstanding overall preservation, the “King Phillip” stands as a crown jewel for any serious Illinois collection. It embodies rarity, artistry, and the enduring spirit of American railroading. Explore the photos and experience this remarkable timepiece for yourself. For collectors who seek the extraordinary, this is a watch that truly defines the word special.
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4-4 Time Featured in
Antique Week
Never mind the questionable sound quality, the cracks and pops. The sometimes cumbersome equipment and having to change a needle after every play. Not to mention the limitations of a personal record library. At a time when an internet connection is all that’s needed for access to a wide variety of streamed music, there are those who prefer not to rely on modern technology for their listening pleasure. Because, at the intersection of art and science, antique phonographs continue to delight collectors by providing original music without electricity, wires, or tubes.
The invention of the phonograph was an evolving process, with twists and turns along the way. In 1877, Thomas Edison, to his great astonishment, successfully recorded (and played back) his recitation of “Mary had a little lamb” using a tinfoilcoated cylinder. A patent for his machine, which was intended not for musical enjoyment but for recording business dictation, was granted in...
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Rare Edison 2-minute cylinder – Len Spencer Dramatic Recitation – “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
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