American gold hunter case keyless lever pocket watch, Elgin National Watch Co.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This American keyless lever hunter case pocket watch dates to circa 1890 and is reported by the source as bearing the mark of Elgin National Watch Co., Chicago, Illinois.
Housed in a 14-karat gold case measuring approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long over the suspension ring, the circular exterior displays scroll engraving, stars, and an intertwined ring-and-star motif. The pictured case lid depicts an engraved stag against a landscape backdrop. According to the cataloguer, the watch features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, a movement numbered 3497972, and is accompanied by a wooden case marked E.
Howard Watch Co.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1890
- Type
- Hunter case pocket watch
- Material
- 14 Karat gold
- Dimensions
- 3 in. (7.6 cm.) long, over suspension ring
- Maker mark
- Elgin National Watch Co.
- Case number
- 44588
- Place recorded
- United States
- Movement number
- 3497972
- Maker / attribution
- Elgin National Watch Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Scalloped outer rim on the circular gold hunter case. • Central engraved scene depicting a standing stag framed by an intertwined six-pointed star and circular border. • Ribbed fluted winding crown set below a smooth circular suspension bow. • Surrounding ground decorated with dense engine-turned or engraved swirling scrolls and applied or engraved five-pointed stars.
- Dial and Mechanism Specifications
- The timepiece features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial, signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' The movement is engraved 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO' and numbered 'NO. 3497972'. As the object is presented in a closed state, these internal features are not visible in the provided image.
- Case Construction and Decorative Detail
- This hunter-style pocket watch is housed in a 14-karat gold case measuring approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length inclusive of the suspension ring. The exterior is circular and features engravings on both sides, including an intertwined ring and star motif and a scene centering a stag in a forest. One side of the case contains a vacant cartouche. The exterior decoration includes dense scrolling and stars. Both covers of the case are numbered 44588.
- Associated Storage and Condition Context
- The watch is accompanied by a wooden storage case with a cover marked 'E. Howard Watch Co.' The interior is lined with green velvet and satin. Documentation notes wear to the case decoration, tight covers, and discoloration or fading to the storage case. The provenance is listed as Russell Barnett Aitken (1910-2002). The source states that working order is not guaranteed.
Identification
- Serial number
- 3497972
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The watch is photographed closed; the dial, hands, inner hallmarks, and movement mechanism are not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: The accompanying fitted wooden box marked E. Howard Watch Co. described in the source is not shown in this photograph.