E. Howard & Co. 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1887–1888
This is an E. Howard & Co., Boston, ladies' Size G hunter case pocket watch cased in 14-karat tri-color gold. The exterior displays detailed floral engraving accented with yellow, green, and rose gold surrounding a central shield cartouche engraved with a script monogram.
According to the auctioneer, the watch contains a white porcelain dial with Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and subsidiary seconds. The interior movement is described as a 15-jewel, nickel-finished Series VI, Grade No. 4 mechanism signed and numbered 102834, dating to circa 1887–1888. The piece measures 39 mm in diameter and weighs 70.0 grams.
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
- Type
- Hunter case pocket watch
- Weight
- 70.0 grams
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Provenance
- The Hedgepath Estate
- Place recorded
- United States
- Movement Number
- 102834
- Maker and Origin
- E. Howard & Co., Boston
- Maker / attribution
- E. Howard & Co.
- Movement Grade and Series
- Series VI, Grade No. 4
Design
- Visible features
- • Closed hunter case exterior adorned with multi-color gold floral motifs in yellow, green, and rose tones. • Engraved scrollwork borders surrounding an engine-turned field and a central shield-shaped cartouche. • Central cartouche bears an engraved script monogram. • Ribbed fluted winding crown attached to a circular gold suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position. • Case hinge visible along the bottom edge at the 6 o'clock position.
- Reported Condition and Provenance
- Direct visual inspection is confined to the closed exterior of the case. In seller-reported condition notes, the auctioneer states that the watch was running at the time of cataloguing, but that the crystal was loose, alongside light wear consistent with age and careful use. Provenance for the watch is reported by the seller as originating from the Hedgepath Estate of Chicago and Lake Shastina, California, passing by direct descent to the consigning heir.
- Case Construction and Exterior Ornament
- The pocket watch is housed in a 14-karat tri-color gold hunter case measuring 39 mm in diameter, with an auction-catalogued gross weight of 70.0 grams. The exterior case surfaces display engraved floral decoration rendered with yellow, green, and rose gold accents, framed by scrollwork borders around an engine-turned field. A central shield-shaped cartouche is positioned on the front cover and bears an engraved script monogram. Visible external mechanical case elements include a ribbed, fluted winding crown mounted beneath a circular gold suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position, and an external hinge along the rim at the 6 o'clock position.
- Reported Movement and Dial Specifications
- Because the watch is shown closed in the available photograph, the dial and internal movement details are known exclusively through the cataloguer's description. The dial is reported as white porcelain featuring Roman numeral hour markers, subsidiary seconds, and blued steel hands. The movement is catalogued as an E. Howard & Co., Boston, ladies' Size G mechanism bearing serial number 102834, which the cataloguer dates to circa 1887–1888. The auction entry designates it as a Series VI, Grade No. 4 movement equipped with 15 jewels and Howard's patented regulator, while containing an internal contradiction that lists it as both a 'gilt' movement and having a 'nickel finish'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 102834
- 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 dial, hands, and movement are closed inside the case and not visible in the provided image; their descriptions rely entirely on source reporting.
- Research required: Source notes the crystal was loose at the time of cataloguing.