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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin 14K Gold Keyless Wind Hunter Case Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this Elgin hunter case pocket watch dates to circa the 1880s and is cased in 14K gold. The 34.5 mm round case features engraved decoration and a snap-on case back numbered 65864, with an overall weight of 41 grams. Bonhams reports that it is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement numbered 3073840 and signed Elgin. The enamel dial is signed GOldee. Keyless winding is operated via the pendant crown and bow assembly.

Exterior view of the engraved 14K gold hunter case and crown assembly
Exterior view of the engraved 14K gold hunter case and crown assembly — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
5071
Source-reported date
c. 1880s
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
3073840

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 Appearance

The pocket watch is catalogued as a 14K gold round hunter case measuring 34.5 mm across and weighing 41 g overall. Visual observation shows a closed yellow gold hunter case with an elaborate engraved monogram covering the lid, along with a visible case hinge situated at the 6 o'clock position along the rim.

A fluted winding crown sits beneath an arched suspension bow that displays visible tarnish or discoloration along its upper curve. Internally, the case back is described as a snap-on type numbered 65864, with the cataloguer noting surface wear and scratches, as well as hallmarks that are worn and partially not legible.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Round, snap on case back, no. 65864”
  • “Size: 34.5mm”
  • “Weight: 41g”
  • “Closed yellow gold hunter case with an elaborate engraved monogram covering the lid”
  • “Visible case hinge placed at the 6 o'clock position along the rim”
  • “Fluted winding crown below an arched suspension bow displaying visible tarnish or discoloration along its upper curve”
  • “Case with surface wear and scratches. Inside hallmarks are worn and partially not legible.”

Dial and Movement Details

Because the available image shows only the closed hunter exterior, the dial and movement are not visible for direct inspection. According to the auction listing, the timepiece features an enamel dial signed 'GOldee', described as exhibiting dust and light scratches in places.

The cataloguer records the movement as a 17-jewel manual-wind mechanism numbered 3073840 and signed 'Elgin', attributed to circa the 1880s. A condition footnote specifies that the movement is not running and will require servicing at the buyer's discretion.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Enamel”
  • “Signed: Dial signed GOldee, movement signed Elgin”
  • “Movement: 17-jewel manual wind, no. 3073840”
  • “Date: c. 1880s”
  • “Dial with dust and light scratches in places.”
  • “Movement not running and will require a service at the buyer's discretion.”

Cataloguing Discrepancies and Limitations

The source includes two notable details that cannot be confirmed from the primary exterior photograph. First, the auction notes state that a 'Diamond is intact but not test for quality', but a gemstone setting is not clearly discernable on the documented lid face.

Second, the dial is signed 'GOldee' while the movement is signed 'Elgin'. Because internal photographs and complete hallmark records are not provided in this source, the relationship between these signatures and the specific origin of the case cannot be determined further from this listing alone.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diamond is intact but not test for quality.”
  • “Signed: Dial signed GOldee, movement signed Elgin”
  • “Inside hallmarks are worn and partially not legible.”

Open research questions

  • Where is the reported diamond set on the case, and is it located on the reverse cover not shown in the lot photograph?
  • What is the historical explanation for the divergent signatures between the 'Elgin' movement and the 'GOldee' dial?
  • What specific maker or purity marks are present on the inside of the case back numbered 65864?
  • What mechanical issues prevent the 17-jewel movement (serial 3073840) from running?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14K Gold Keyless Wind Hunter Case Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement details17-jewel manual wind, no. 3073840“17-jewel manual wind, no. 3073840”
Dial signatureGOldee“Dial signed GOldee”
Movement signatureElgin“movement signed Elgin”
Case size34.5mm“Size: 34.5mm”
Total weight41g“Weight: 41g”
Case back and numberSnap on case back, no. 65864“snap on case back, no. 65864”
Auction provenance noteFrom a private Dutch family“FROM A PRIVATE DUTCH FAMILY”
AccompanimentsNone“Accompaniments: None”
Movement operational statusNot running, service required“Movement not running and will require a service at the buyer's discretion.”
Dial conditionDust and light scratches in places“Dial with dust and light scratches in places.”
Case conditionSurface wear, scratches, and worn partially illegible hallmarks“Case with surface wear and scratches. Inside hallmarks are worn and partially not legible.”
Reported stone settingIntact diamond reported but not tested for quality“Diamond is intact but not test for quality.”

Visible details

  • Closed yellow gold hunter case with an elaborate engraved monogram covering the lid
  • Fluted winding crown below an arched suspension bow displaying visible tarnish or discoloration along its upper curve
  • Visible case hinge placed at the 6 o'clock position along the rim

Research qualifications

  • Dial and movement are enclosed and cannot be verified from the single exterior photograph
  • Source reports the movement is not running and hallmarks inside the case are worn and partially illegible
  • Bonhams mentions an intact diamond not tested for quality, which is not clearly discernable on this lid face

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : ELGIN. A 14K GOLD KEYLESS WIND HUNTER CASE WATCH

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1dfd2d9220

Terms in this record

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

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