A fantastic vintage Hughes Tool Company sterling silver watch fob, modelled in the form of a Hughes Simplex Rock Bit, with its original leather strap and metal fittings.
The fob is clearly engraved:
HUGHES SIMPLEXROCK BITHUGHES TOOL CO.HOUSTON TEX.
The fob is also stamped STERLING.
This is a particularly interesting piece of early American oilfield and industrial advertising memorabilia. The Hughes Tool Company was a pioneering manufacturer of oil-well drilling equipment, and the Simplex rock bit was manufactured by Hughes in 1929–1930.
The detailed figural design represents the rock bit itself, including the characteristic cutting/cone detail at the end. The piece has been retained with its original leather watch-fob strap and buckle/fittings, making it a particularly complete example.
Condition
Good vintage/antique condition with visible age-related surface scratches consistent with its age and previous use.
The sterling silver fob weighs approximately 19g on its own. The complete item, including the leather strap and fittings, weighs approximately 25.1g.
The leather strap shows considerable age and wear, as would be expected, but remains attached to the original fob.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
Historical interest
The Hughes Tool Company was founded by Howard R. Hughes Sr. and became one of the most important names in the development of rotary drilling technology.
The Hughes Simplex bit is documented as a 1929–1930 Hughes design, making this an especially interesting piece for collectors of early oilfield memorabilia, American industrial history, advertising ephemera and Hughes Tool Company items.
Ideal for collectors of:
Hughes Tool Company memorabilia
American oilfield history
Early drilling equipment
Vintage advertising pieces
Sterling silver watch fobs
Industrial memorabilia
Houston/Texas history
Howard Hughes / Hughes family history
A scarce and unusual piece with a great combination of sterling silver, early oilfield history and original presentation.
Please see photographs for the exact condition and contents of the sale.
Item specifics
Brand: Hughes Tool Co.Model/Subject: Simplex Rock BitMaterial: Sterling SilverOrigin: Houston, Texas, USAType: Watch Fob / Advertising FobEra: Early 20th Century, circa 1929–1930Weight of silver fob: Approx. 19gStrap: Original aged leather strap with fittingsCountry of manufacture: USA