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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

American Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Hunter's Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This American Elgin pocket watch is dated by the seller to circa 1885 and features a 14K yellow gold hunter's case with box hinge construction made by Dueber. The exterior case is decorated with engine turning, an engraved floral motif, a diagonal blank ribbon or cartouche, and an outer border with repeating four-lobed motifs, complemented by a rope-twist bow and ribbed crown. According to the seller, the watch contains an 11-jewel movement and a two-piece porcelain dial with seconds display. It measures 40 mm in length and weighs 59 grams.

Exterior front lid of the Dueber 14K yellow gold hunter case with rope-twist bow
Exterior front lid of the Dueber 14K yellow gold hunter case with rope-twist bow — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
AAUC 1035 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1885
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
1947171

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 Observation

The timepiece is housed in a 14K yellow gold hunter's case identified by the seller as featuring box hinge construction and made by Dueber. Visible inspection of the exterior front lid confirms ornate engraving across engine-turned circular backgrounds, accompanied by floral sprays and a diagonal cartouche, enclosed by an outer border band featuring raised repeating four-lobed clover-like motifs.

At the pendant, the assembly displays a circular suspension bow with a rope-twist pattern positioned over a fluted round winding crown. The seller records the piece as measuring 40mm in length and weighing 59 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “American Elgin 14K yellow gold box hinge pocket watch”
  • “Case by Dueber”
  • “Ornately engraved hunter case lid with engine-turned circular backgrounds, floral sprays, and a diagonal cartouche”
  • “Outer border band featuring raised repeating four-lobed clover-like motifs”
  • “Circular suspension bow with a rope-twist pattern positioned over a fluted round winding crown”
  • “40mm L”
  • “59 grams”

Reported Movement and Dial Specifications

According to the seller's description, the pocket watch houses an 11 jewel movement. Neither the movement plate, train, nor jewel settings are visible in the provided exterior photograph, leaving these mechanical details source-reported.

The source further states that the watch contains a two-piece porcelain dial with a seconds dial. Because the hunter case remains closed in the available imagery, the configuration of the dial markings and hands is not visually documented.

Evidence for this section
  • “houses an 11 jewel movement and a two piece porcelain dial with seconds dial”

Dating and Documentation Limitations

The seller dates the watch to circa 1885 and notes that it is 'Signed and serial numbered 1947171'. However, the listing text does not clarify whether this serial number is stamped on the Elgin movement, the Dueber case, or both.

Because Dueber and Elgin maintained distinct serial numbering systems, verification of the caliber, size, and exact production date is limited without direct observation of the inner movement plates and interior case markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circa 1885”
  • “Signed and serial numbered 1947171”
  • “Case by Dueber”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 1947171 appear on the Elgin movement, the Dueber case back, or both?
  • What specific size and grade is the Elgin 11-jewel movement upon opening the hunter case?
  • What style of numerals and manufacturer signature are present on the porcelain dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Hunter's Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material14K yellow gold“American Elgin 14K yellow gold box hinge pocket watch”
Case MakerDueber“Case by Dueber”
Jewel Count11 jewels“houses an 11 jewel movement”
Serial Number1947171“Signed and serial numbered 1947171”
Dimensions40mm“40mm L”
Weight59 grams“59 grams”
Hinge TypeBox hinge“American Elgin 14K yellow gold box hinge pocket watch”
Dial ConstructionTwo-piece porcelain dial with seconds dial“two piece porcelain dial with seconds dial”
Lot / SKUAAUC 1035 P“SKU: AAUC 1035 P”

Visible details

  • Ornately engraved hunter case lid with engine-turned circular backgrounds, floral sprays, and a diagonal cartouche
  • Outer border band featuring raised repeating four-lobed clover-like motifs
  • Circular suspension bow with a rope-twist pattern positioned over a fluted round winding crown

Research qualifications

  • Movement and dial are not visible in the provided exterior photograph; their described details are source-reported.
  • The source does not clarify whether the recorded serial number 1947171 applies to the Elgin movement or the Dueber case.

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

Consulted source

American Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Hunter's Case Pocket Watch - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fd4d1e6505

Terms in this record

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

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