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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Elgin 14K Gold 'C.H. Hulburd' Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Elgin open face pocket watch features a 43.00 mm 14-karat gold Wadsworth case with foliate engraving. The watch is fitted with a silver tapestry dial bearing the Elgin signature, applied gold Arabic numerals, and gold fancy hands. According to the auction catalogue, it is powered by a stem-wound and stem-set 19-jewel movement adjusted to eight positions, signed C.H. Hulburd under movement number 19999907. Total gross weight is catalogued at 30.20 dwt. The piece was consigned as property from the Estate of Gloria Harris Burch.

Dial view of the Elgin 14K gold 'C.H. Hulburd' open face pocket watch
Dial view of the Elgin 14K gold 'C.H. Hulburd' open face pocket watch — Freeman's / Hindman. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
19999907

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 Elements

The timepiece is housed in a 43.00 mm Wadsworth case manufactured from 14-karat gold. The exterior features a foliate engraving pattern. A decorative, engraved bow is positioned above the fluted winding crown at the 12 o'clock position.

The inner case back is marked with the identifiers 'Elgin C.H. HULBURD MODEL Wadsworth 14 karat 11535 94'.

Evidence for this section
  • “43.00 mm case diameter”
  • “foliate engraved case”
  • “Inner case back stamp: Elgin C.H. HULBURD MODEL Wadsworth 14 karat 11535 94.”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch face features a silver tapestry dial signed 'ELGIN'. It is accented with applied gold Arabic numerals.

The timepiece includes gold fancy hands. The condition report notes oxidation to the tips of the hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “silver tapestry dial signed ELGIN”
  • “applied gold Arabic numerals”
  • “gold fancy hands”
  • “oxidation to the tips of the hands.”

Movement and Condition

The watch is powered by a stem-wound and stem-set 19-jewel movement adjusted to eight positions, signed 'C.H. Hulburd' with the movement number 19999907.

At the time of cataloging, the timepiece was reported as not running. The case and crystal exhibit scratching consistent with wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “stem wound and set 19 jewel movement with eight adjustments signed C.H. Hulburd.”
  • “Movement number: 19999907.”
  • “The timepiece is not running at time of cataloging”
  • “scratching to the case ad moderate scratches to the crystal consistent with wear.”

Open research questions

  • What is the chronological production window for Elgin C.H. Hulburd model movements bearing serial number 19999907?
  • Does the '11535 94' stamp on the inner case back correlate to a specific Wadsworth production period or manufacturing code?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14K Gold 'C.H. Hulburd' Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Diameter43.00 mm“43.00 mm case diameter”
DialSilver tapestry dial signed ELGIN“silver tapestry dial signed ELGIN”
Movement19 jewels, 8 adjustments, signed C.H. Hulburd“stem wound and set 19 jewel movement with eight adjustments signed C.H. Hulburd.”
Movement Number19999907“Movement number: 19999907.”
Inner Case Back StampElgin C.H. HULBURD MODEL Wadsworth 14 karat 11535 94“Inner case back stamp: Elgin C.H. HULBURD MODEL Wadsworth 14 karat 11535 94.”
Weight30.20 dwt“30.20 dwt.”
Total Weight30.20 dwt“30.20 dwt.”
ProvenanceProperty from the Estate of Gloria Harris Burch“Property from the Estate of Gloria Harris Burch, St. Joseph, Michigan”

Visible details

  • Silver tapestry dial engraved with an intricate all-over scrolling foliate pattern
  • Applied gold-tone openwork Arabic hour numerals accompanied by small peripheral arrow markers
  • Gold-tone fancy pierced hands with visible darkening or oxidation near the outer sections
  • Engraved decorative bow above a fluted winding crown at the 12 o'clock position
  • Beaded or milled pattern along the inner rim of the bezel

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner case back stamps are not visible in the supplied photograph; movement specifications and serial number are based on auctioneer reports.
  • Source condition report notes scratching on case and crystal, oxidation to hand tips, and states the timepiece was not running at cataloging.

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

Consulted source

ELGIN, 14K GOLD 'C.H. HULBURD' OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record bd9d71ce2f

Terms in this record

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

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