Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

American gold hunter case keyless lever pocket watch, Elgin National Watch Co.

Partially verified

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.

Exterior view of the engraved 14k gold hunter case pocket watch showing the stag motif and star surround
Exterior view of the engraved 14k gold hunter case pocket watch showing the stag motif and star surround — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
949
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
3497972

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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “3 in. (7.6 cm.) long, over suspension ring”
  • “Circular, engraved on both sides with an intertwined ring and star, one side centering a scene of a stag in a forest, the other a vacant cartouche, both surrounded by further stars and dense scrolls”
  • “both covers numbered 44588”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and seconds dial”
  • “the dial signed Elgin Natl. Watch Co.”
  • “the mechanism further engraved ELGIN NATL WATCH CO and NO. 3497972”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “in a fitted wood case by E. Howard Watch Co.”
  • “Provenance Russell Barnett Aitken (1910-2002)”
  • “Please note Christie's does not guarantee the working order of watches.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of an Elgin-signed watch housed in a fitted box marked E. Howard Watch Co.?
  • Does serial number 3497972 align with the circa 1890 production timeframe in Elgin records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American gold hunter case keyless lever pocket watch, Elgin National Watch Co.
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker markElgin National Watch Co.“MARK OF ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS”
Datecirca 1890“CIRCA 1890”
Material14 Karat gold“14 KARAT”
Movement number3497972“NO. 3497972”
Case number44588“both covers numbered 44588”
Dimensions3 in. (7.6 cm.) long, over suspension ring“3 in. (7.6 cm.) long, over suspension ring”
Gold Standard14 Karat“the back cover marked 14K WARRENTED US ASSAY”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • The watch is photographed closed; the dial, hands, inner hallmarks, and movement mechanism are not visible in the provided image.
  • The accompanying fitted wooden box marked E. Howard Watch Co. described in the source is not shown in this photograph.

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

Consulted source

AN AMERICAN GOLD HUNTER CASE KEYLESS LEVER POCKET WATCH, MARK OF ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, CIRCA 1890, 14 KARAT | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d100043c89

Terms in this record

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

Other hunter case pocket watch records