, which is
correct. This seems, however, to reflect carelessness on
the part of patent attorneys and examiners, as the error
exists in the original manuscript patent application
preserved in the National Archives, Washington, D. C.

[39] U. S. patent 216917, issued to William A. Wales and
assigned to William B. Fowle, was applied for on
November 1, 1878, after the device was already in use on
earlier specimens of these watches.

[40] The mechanism was also covered by British patent 3893,
issued September 27, 1879, to Philip Syng Justice on
behalf of William B. Fowle.

Success and Failure

It would be pleasant to report that after the fiasco of the rotary model
these timers were a financial success, but the facts indicate otherwise.
They were well built and reliable, so that the trade was pleased to stock
and promote them. The public responded well when in the market for a
timer, as might be expected, since no other stop watch with fractional
second dial or split-second hand was made in the country. Those imported
from abroad were many times as expensive. Unfortunately the demand was
seasonal. Sometimes, during the racing season, demand would reach 400
per month, while at other seasons of the year practically none at all
were sold. Some remained in stock during the remaining life of the
company, as is shown by the following advertisement,[41] which was
accompanied by an illustration of the watch:

The old reliable Auburndale Chronograph Timers, for sale by Edward
H. Brown, No. 16 Maiden Lane, New York. The manufacture of these
watches having been discontinued for reasons entirely apart from
their value and reliability, the stock in existence is very
limited, and is now in the hands of Mr. Edward H. Brown, No. 16
Maiden Lane, New York City, the well known and reliable dealer in
Watches, Diamonds and Jewelry. The Auburndale timer has been in the
hands of a number of competent judges, and has always been found to
be accurate. It is of convenient size, and is contained in a German
silver case, nickel plated. The timers are manufactured in two
qualities, without split seconds for $15 and with the split second
for $25. They all have minute, second and lightning hands. We
recommend all desiring a cheap and reliable timer to apply at once
to Mr. Brown, No. 16 Maiden Lane, New York.

A steadier market was sought with the intro