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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch

American Elgin 14K Multi-Color Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This American-made Elgin hunting case pocket watch dates to circa 1898 and features a 14-karat multi-color gold case. The exterior case cover is decorated with engine turning, scroll engravings, and applied multi-tone floral motifs, centering an applied star inset with a diamond. The watch is powered by a 15-jewel stem-wind and stem-set movement. According to the seller's documentation, the reverse cover features an engraved initial plaque, while the dial is porcelain with Roman numerals, gold foil embellishments, Louis XV style hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial.

Exterior view of the decorated 14K multi-color gold hunting case lid with central inset star and floral motifs
Exterior view of the decorated 14K multi-color gold hunting case lid with central inset star and floral motifs — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
JROS 2172
Source-reported date
Circa 1898
Country
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Design and Exterior Ornamentation

The timepiece is housed in a 14K multi-color gold hunting case decorated with multi-tone applied accents. Direct observation of the primary photograph shows an engine-turned ground framed by engraved scrollwork borders extending along the outer rim and bow mount, centering an applied six-pointed rose gold star inset with a diamond and bordered by floral and foliate motifs in yellow, rose, and white/green-toned metals.

According to the source listing, the piece "prominently features yellow and rose gold floral decor on both front and back covers" alongside "Fancy engravings". The text notes that "A central plaque with initials is on one cover and a star inset with a diamond on the other", though the reverse cover is not depicted in the provided visual record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Centrally placed six-pointed rose gold star featuring an inset central diamond”
  • “Appliqué floral and foliate motifs in yellow, rose, and white/green-toned metals against an engine-turned ground”
  • “Engraved scrollwork borders extending along the outer rim and bow mount”
  • “This attractive American made Elgin hunters case pocket watch prominently features yellow and rose gold floral decor on both front and back covers.”
  • “Fancy engravings further accentuate the case.”
  • “A central plaque with initials is on one cover and a star inset with a diamond on the other.”

Reported Dial and Hands

Because the case lid remains closed in the photograph, dial features are known only from the dealer's documentation. The source states that "The porcelain dial has Roman numerals and gold foil decorations."

The listing further notes that "There is a sub seconds dial as well" and that "Louis XV style hands complete this very attractive watch face." Physical details such as signatures, condition, or dial crack lines are not recorded in the available photographs.

Evidence for this section
  • “The porcelain dial has Roman numerals and gold foil decorations.”
  • “There is a sub seconds dial as well.”
  • “Louis XV style hands complete this very attractive watch face.”

Reported Movement and Technical Characteristics

The watch is listed as an Elgin pocket watch powered by a 15-jewel stem-wind and stem-set movement. The source explicitly records: "The stem wind, stem set movement contains 15 jewels."

The listing notes a production date of "Circa 1898". Movement caliber, plate configuration, size, and movement serial numbers are not recorded in this source, and no internal movement photographs are provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “American Elgin 14K Multi Color Gold Hunters Case Pocket Watch”
  • “The stem wind, stem set movement contains 15 jewels.”
  • “Circa 1898”

Open research questions

  • What movement serial number, grade designation, and movement size are stamped on the internal plates?
  • What specific initials are engraved on the monogram plaque of the reverse cover?
  • What case maker trademarks, purity hallmarks, and case serial numbers are stamped on the inside case covers or cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Elgin 14K Multi-Color Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin“American Elgin 14K Multi Color Gold Hunters Case Pocket Watch”
Case material14K multi-color gold“American Elgin 14K Multi Color Gold Hunters Case Pocket Watch”
Jewel count15 jewels“The stem wind, stem set movement contains 15 jewels.”
Winding and settingStem wind, stem set“15 Jewel Stem Wind and Set”
DateCirca 1898“Circa 1898”
SKUJROS 2172“SKU: JROS 2172”
Hand styleLouis XV style“Louis XV style hands complete this very attractive watch face.”
Additional dial featuresGold foil decorations and subsidiary seconds dial“The porcelain dial has Roman numerals and gold foil decorations. There is a sub seconds dial as well.”

Visible details

  • Centrally placed six-pointed rose gold star featuring an inset central diamond
  • Appliqué floral and foliate motifs in yellow, rose, and white/green-toned metals against an engine-turned ground
  • Engraved scrollwork borders extending along the outer rim and bow mount

Research qualifications

  • The dial, hands, inner cuvette, reverse cover plaque, and movement are not depicted in the provided photographs.
  • Internal serial numbers and movement caliber details are not documented in the listing text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

American Elgin 14K Multi Color Gold Hunters Case Pocket Watch - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 58a5056d92

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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