Illinois Hunter Case Pocket Watch with Guard Chain
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890–1900
According to the seller, this late Victorian ensemble comprises an Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch suspended from a gold-filled double rope guard chain.
The pocket watch features an engraved case with foliate and floral scrollwork and swing-out construction, measuring approximately 44 mm in diameter. The interior of the case is reported to bear the number 807355, alongside a handwritten marking 668 and a service inscription reading B839Y. The attached guard chain features a rectangular slide and swivel clasp stamped for 1/20 12K gold-filled composition.
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
- Maker
- Illinois Watch Company
- Case Number
- 807355
- Clasp Stamping
- 1/20 12K G.F.
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Illinois Watch Company
- Service Inscription
- B839Y
- Additional Case Marking
- 668
Design
- Visible features
- • Closed hunter case exterior adorned with engraved foliate scrollwork • Pendant bow and crown positioned at top of the case attached via dog clip to a rope-twist chain • Visible case hinge along the bottom edge of the watch cover • Sliding rectangular element mounted along the chain above the pocket watch attachment
- Guard Chain Assembly
- The ensemble includes a double rope guard chain measuring 29.5 inches in length. The chain is fitted with an adjustable engraved rectangular slide and a heavy dog clip swivel clasp. The clasp is stamped '1/20 12K G.F.', indicating a gold-filled composition. The total weight of the ensemble is approximately 75 grams.
- Case Construction and Aesthetic
- The Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch features a round case decorated with high-relief Victorian foliate and floral scrollwork. It is designed with a swing-out construction intended to protect the internal mechanical movement. The case measures approximately 44 mm in diameter. Seller reports indicate that the two hinged doors do not close fully and that the watch shows age-appropriate wear.
- Internal Markings and Provenance
- The interior of the watch case is marked with the number 807355. Additional internal markings include a handwritten '668' on the inner metal rim near the movement and a service inscription reading 'B839Y'. The internal mechanical movement is unviewable, as the seller reports an inability to open the case due to age-related corrosion.
Identification
- Serial number
- 807355
- 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 and internal movement are not shown in the image and could not be opened by the seller due to corrosion.
- Research required: The seller notes that the two hinged doors do not close completely.