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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

E. Howard & Co. 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

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.

Exterior view of the E. Howard & Co. 14K tri-color gold hunter pocket watch case with floral engraving and central monogram
Exterior view of the E. Howard & Co. 14K tri-color gold hunter pocket watch case with floral engraving and central monogram — Witherell Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E. Howard & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
230
Source-reported date
circa 1887–1888
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
102834

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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Closed hunter case exterior adorned with multi-color gold floral motifs in yellow, green, and rose tones.”
  • “Central cartouche bears an engraved script monogram.”
  • “Ribbed fluted winding crown attached to a circular gold suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position.”
  • “Diameter: 39 mm.”
  • “Weight: 70.0 grams”

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'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white porcelain dial features Roman numeral hour markers with subsidiary seconds and blued steel hands.”
  • “The gilt Series VI, Grade No. 4 movement is signed E. Howard & Co., Boston and numbered 102834, corresponding to a movement manufactured circa 1887–1888 with 15 jewels, nickel finish, Howard’s patented regulator, and Size G configuration.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crystal loose.”
  • “Running at the time of cataloguing.”
  • “Light wear consistent with age and careful use.”
  • “The Hedgepath Estate, Chicago and Lake Shastina, California; by direct descent to the present heir, now being deaccessioned as part of downsizing.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement have a gilt plate finish or a nickel finish, given the conflicting statements in the auction text?
  • What case maker stamps, trademarks, or serial numbers are present on the inside covers and cuvette?
  • What specific monogram letters are engraved on the front cartouche?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. Howard & Co. 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and OriginE. Howard & Co., Boston“E. Howard & Co., Boston, ladies’ Size G 14K tri-color gold hunter case pocket watch”
Movement Number102834“numbered 102834, corresponding to a movement manufactured circa 1887–1888”
Movement Grade and SeriesSeries VI, Grade No. 4“The gilt Series VI, Grade No. 4 movement is signed E. Howard & Co., Boston”
DimensionsDiameter: 39 mm“Diameter: 39 mm.”
Weight70.0 grams“Weight: 70.0 grams”
ProvenanceThe Hedgepath Estate“The Hedgepath Estate, Chicago and Lake Shastina, California; by direct descent to the present heir”
Reported Movement Features15 jewels, Size G configuration, Howard's patented regulator“15 jewels, nickel finish, Howard’s patented regulator, and Size G configuration”
Reported Dial CharacteristicsWhite porcelain dial, Roman numerals, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds“The white porcelain dial features Roman numeral hour markers with subsidiary seconds and blued steel hands.”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • The dial, hands, and movement are closed inside the case and not visible in the provided image; their descriptions rely entirely on source reporting.
  • Source notes the crystal was loose at the time of cataloguing.

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

Consulted source

E. Howard & Co. 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch, 70.0 Grams for sale at auction on 29th October | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record baa5d21f6a

Terms in this record

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

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