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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunterd pocket watch

Elgin 14k Yellow Gold Hunting Cased Pocket Watch with Fancy Dial

Partially verified

This antique 16-size hunting cased pocket watch features a 14k yellow gold engine-turned case produced by the Keystone Watch Case Company, measuring 48mm in diameter with a reported gross weight of 84.9 grams. The source states it houses a 17-jewel Elgin movement with serial number 12117309, dating to circa 1906. The white enameled dial is decorated with gilt ornamentation, Roman numeral hour markers, an outer five-minute chapter, pierced ornate hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Front view of open hunting case displaying the fancy decorated enamel dial and hands
Front view of open hunting case displaying the fancy decorated enamel dial and hands — Dan Morphy Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunterd pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
339
Catalogue / lot identifier
1322
Source-reported date
Circa 1906
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
12117309

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

The pocket watch is described by the catalog as a 14k yellow gold hunting cased engine-turned timepiece with a diameter measuring 48mm. Direct observation of the provided photograph shows the front cover hinged to the left, revealing a polished interior lip surrounding the dial, with the winding crown, fluted collar, and bow positioned at 3 o'clock.

According to the auction listing, the Keystone case is marked "GAURANTEED 14K 585 FINE THE K.W.C.CO." and the complete watch has a reported gross weight of 84.9 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “14k yellow gold Elgin 339 hunting cased engine-turned pocket watch”
  • “Case diameter measures 48mm.”
  • “Hinged front hunting case cover opened to the left, showing polished interior lip.”
  • “Winding crown, fluted collar, and bow positioned at 3 o'clock.”
  • “Keystone case marked "GAURANTEED 14K 585 FINE THE K.W.C.CO.".”
  • “Pocket watch has a gross weight of 84.9 grams.”

Dial and Hands

The catalog describes the watch as featuring a "fancy enameled decorated dial." In the photograph, the white enamel surface displays 'ELGIN' in black serif lettering below 12 o'clock, with Roman numeral hour indices framed by decorative gilt circles and stars, accompanied by an outer five-minute chapter.

Time display is provided by pierced ornate gilt hour and minute hands, while a sunken subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic numerals and a slim seconds hand is positioned at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “fancy enameled decorated dial”
  • “White enamel dial bearing 'ELGIN' in black serif lettering below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Dial accented with gilt circles and stars framing Roman numeral hour indices.”
  • “Pierced ornate gilt hour and minute hands, with a slim seconds hand.”
  • “Sunken subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic numerals positioned at 6 o'clock.”

Reported Movement and Documentation Limits

The internal mechanism is not depicted in the provided visual record. The auction catalog states that the movement is a size 16s, 17-jewel Elgin movement with serial number 12117309, dated circa 1906, associated with model or reference 339.

The seller reports the mechanical status as "Currently running" and grades the overall condition as "(Excellent)". However, internal movement markings, finish, adjustment status, and timekeeping accuracy cannot be verified from the visible record.

Evidence for this section
  • “14k yellow gold Elgin 339 hunting cased engine-turned pocket watch”
  • “Movement serial number: 12117309. Circa 1906. 17j. 16s.”
  • “Currently running.”
  • “Condition: (Excellent).”

Open research questions

  • What specific grade name, damaskeening pattern, and factory markings are stamped on the movement plates?
  • What is the internal serial number of the Keystone case, and does it correspond to Elgin factory records or a retailer casing?
  • What engine-turned pattern or cartouche is present on the exterior covers of the closed hunting case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14k Yellow Gold Hunting Cased Pocket Watch with Fancy Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material14k yellow gold“14k yellow gold Elgin 339 hunting cased engine-turned pocket watch”
Case diameter48mm“Case diameter measures 48mm.”
Movement serial number12117309“Movement serial number: 12117309.”
Gross weight84.9 grams“Pocket watch has a gross weight of 84.9 grams.”
Case markingGAURANTEED 14K 585 FINE THE K.W.C.CO.“Keystone case marked "GAURANTEED 14K 585 FINE THE K.W.C.CO.".”
Reported mechanical statusCurrently running (seller-reported)“Currently running.”
Reported movement size and jewel count16s, 17 jewels“17j. 16s.”
Seller-stated condition rating(Excellent)“Condition: (Excellent).”

Visible details

  • Hinged front hunting case cover opened to the left, showing polished interior lip.
  • White enamel dial bearing 'ELGIN' in black serif lettering below 12 o'clock.
  • Dial accented with gilt circles and stars framing Roman numeral hour indices.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic numerals positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Pierced ornate gilt hour and minute hands, with a slim seconds hand.
  • Winding crown, fluted collar, and bow positioned at 3 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and internal case hallmarks are not visible in the provided photo and rely on auction description.
  • Working mechanical condition is stated by the auction house but unverified.

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

Terms in this record

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