Hi, ajmp-
Most of us here would readily acknowledge the contribution A.P. and the Carter Family made, but somehow it doesn't seem right to be paying royalties to Ralph Peer's Peerless Music for Carter songs that have roots far older than the Carter Family.
The Traditional Ballad Index now says the earliest recording they've found was a 1929 recording by Ephraim Woodie & The Henpecked Husbands. It would be interesting to hear that version and see how close it is to the Carter song.
Richie's sources thread says the Carter Family June 17, 1933 Camden, NJ (Victor) Gold Watch And Chain 1879- Traditional chorus based on the Reuben's Train songs. The verses are from 1879 Westendorf song, "Is There No Kiss For Me Tonight, Love."

Gold Watch and Chain (I)

DESCRIPTION: Singer tells girl that he would pawn his gold watch and chain, his ring, and his heart if she would love him again. He demands that she give back the gifts he's given her, including a lock of hair and a picture, and laments her unfaithfulness
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1929 (recording, Ephraim Woodie & The Henpecked Husbands)
KEYWORDS: love betrayal floatingverses gift
FOUND IN: US(Ap)
REFERENCES (1 citation):
DT, GOLDWTCH
RECORDINGS:
Carter Family, "Gold Watch and Chain" (Victor 23821, 1933; Montgomery Ward M-7354, c. 1937)
New Lost City Ramblers, "Gold Watch and Chain" (on NLCR13, NLCREP2)
Ephraim Woodie & The Henpecked Husbands, "Last Gold Dollar" (Columbia 15564-D, 1930; rec. 1929; on LostProv1)
File: DTgoldwt

---

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Bibiography
Go to the Discography

The Ballad Index Copyright 2009 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.