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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Elgin hunter case pocket watch features a case fabricated in 14-karat tri-color gold, reported by the source to be engraved with an elk motif. The white dial displays black Roman numeral chapter markers, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dial bears custom hand-painted ornamentation including Masonic square and compass emblems, the name 'H. Manaster', and the location 'CHICAGO, ILL.'. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a stem-wound 15-jewel Elgin movement.

Front view of open Elgin hunter case pocket watch showing dial with custom Masonic insignia and subsidiary seconds
Front view of open Elgin hunter case pocket watch showing dial with custom Masonic insignia and subsidiary seconds — Lang Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.langantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
70-1-201
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United States

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

Dial Ornamentation and Layout

The pocket watch features a white dial configured with black Roman numeral chapter markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock position. The hands appear in blued steel.

Custom painted ornamentation is present on the dial surface. Visible observations confirm a Masonic square and compass emblem painted beneath the 12 o'clock position, accompanied by the printed maker name 'Elgin' alongside custom inscriptions including the name 'H. Manaster' and the location 'CHICAGO, ILL.'

Evidence for this section
  • “white dial, Roman chapter markers, sub second dial”
  • “hand painted Masonic symbols and ‘H. Manaster on dial”
  • “White dial featuring painted Masonic square and compass emblem below 12 o'clock”
  • “Dial inscribed with 'Elgin', 'H. Manaster', and 'CHICAGO, ILL.'”

Case Construction and Exterior Decoration

The timepiece is housed in a hunter case configuration constructed from 14-karat tri-color gold. In the open photograph, the front cover hinges open to the left, revealing a fluted band around the case, with the winding crown and bow positioned at the 3 o'clock position relative to the dial face.

The source listing states that the watch case features a 'tri-color gold elk engraved on case'. However, this exterior engraved motif is not visible in the provided open-face photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “14 Karat Tri-Color Gold”
  • “tri-color gold elk engraved on case”
  • “Engraved hinged hunter case cover opened to the left with fluted band”
  • “Winding crown and bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial”

Reported Movement and Technical Uncertainties

According to the source description, the watch is fitted with a '15 Jewels movement' and is described with the phrase 'stem wide' (likely intended as stem wind).

Internal movement photographs, caliber designations, movement grades, and serial numbers are not recorded in this source. Consequently, Elgin production records cannot be consulted to establish the movement model or manufacture year without further mechanical documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “stem wide, 15 Jewels movement.”

Open research questions

  • What movement serial number, grade, and size are marked on the movement plates?
  • What maker hallmarks, serial numbers, or gold purity stamps are present on the inner case lids?
  • What historical identity or Masonic lodge affiliation corresponds to H. Manaster in Chicago, Illinois?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14K Tri-Color Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material14 Karat Tri-Color Gold“14 Karat Tri-Color Gold”
Dial FeaturesWhite dial, Roman chapter markers, sub second dial“white dial, Roman chapter markers, sub second dial”
Custom Dial InscriptionMasonic symbols and 'H. Manaster'“hand painted Masonic symbols and ‘H. Manaster on dial”
Movement Jewels15 Jewels“15 Jewels movement”
Item SKU70-1-201“SKU 70-1-201”
Case Exterior MotifTri-color gold elk engraved on case“tri-color gold elk engraved on case”
Reported Winding FeatureStem wide“stem wide”

Visible details

  • White dial featuring painted Masonic square and compass emblem below 12 o'clock
  • Engraved hinged hunter case cover opened to the left with fluted band
  • Winding crown and bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial
  • Dial inscribed with 'Elgin', 'H. Manaster', and 'CHICAGO, ILL.'

Research qualifications

  • Caliber, grade, and movement serial number are not specified or pictured
  • The engraved tri-color gold elk motif reported on the exterior case is not visible in the open-face photograph

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

Consulted source

Elgin Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 76d21e6b5f

Terms in this record

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

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