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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin 18K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Elgin hunter case pocket watch is dated to circa 1897 and features an 18-karat yellow gold case housing a 17-jewel damascened movement. According to the auction listing, the movement is fitted with a safety pinion and serial number 6810601, custom-engraved for retailer Maier & Berkele in Atlanta, Georgia. The watch is reported to have a white dial with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. Externally, the yellow gold case displays fine engine turning centering an engraved foliate shield cartouche with a monogram, while the back cover interior is reported to bear the stamp of case maker Roy and 18K.

Front exterior view of the closed gold hunter case pocket watch showing engraved shield and bow
Front exterior view of the closed gold hunter case pocket watch showing engraved shield and bow — Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
333
Source-reported date
Circa 1897
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
6810601

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 Form

The pocket watch is housed in an 18-karat yellow gold hunter case. Direct observation of the exterior reveals fine engine-turned texturing across the front cover, centered by an engraved foliate shield cartouche containing an engraved monogram. The perimeter features a reeded, coin-edge profile, and the case is fitted with a ribbed winding crown surmounted by a smooth circular bow.

According to the auction listing, the back cover is marked internally with the stamp "ROY / 18K / 112628", referencing the case maker Roy. The catalog records the overall dimensions as a height of 2.75 inches including the crown, a diameter of 2.125 inches, and a depth of 0.625 inches, with a total weight of 140 grams including the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Closed yellow gold hunter case with fine engine-turned texturing”
  • “Back cover marked "ROY / 18K / 112628"”
  • “Case h. 2.75 in (w/ crown), dia. 2.125 in, d. 0.625 in; total weight 140 grams (w/ works).”

Reported Movement and Dial Details

Because the available photograph displays only the closed exterior case, internal mechanical and dial details rely entirely on the auctioneer's catalog description. The mechanism is reported to be an Elgin 17-jewel damascened movement fitted with a safety pinion and bearing serial number 6810601, placing its production circa 1897.

The works are noted to feature retailer-specific engraving reading "Especially Adjusted for Maier & Berkele Atlanta GA / 6810601". Beneath the front hunter cover, the dial is described by the catalog as white with black Arabic numerals and a dedicated seconds subdial.

Evidence for this section
  • “having 17-jewel damascened movement equipped with a safety pinion”
  • “custom-engraved works "Especially Adjusted for Maier & Berkele Atlanta GA / 6810601"”
  • “white dial with black Arabic numerals, seconds subdial”

Condition and Documentation Limitations

The catalog entry notes that the crystal was "recently replaced" and describes "scattered surface wear commensurate with age and use," while stating that the watch was running and keeping time at the time of cataloguing. As timekeeping performance was not independently tested, this remains an unverified seller claim.

Direct visual inspection is strictly limited to the exterior case lid, leaving the condition of the dial, replacement crystal, inner cuvette, and damascened movement uncorroborated by available imagery. Ownership prior to auction is recorded as the "Private Collection of Peter Daniel, Duluth GA."

Evidence for this section
  • “Crystal recently replaced.”
  • “Scattered surface wear commensurate with age and use.”
  • “Provenance Private Collection of Peter Daniel, Duluth GA.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Elgin movement grade and size (e.g., 16-size or 18-size) correspond to serial number 6810601?
  • What material (e.g., mineral glass or acrylic) was utilized for the recently replaced crystal?
  • What specific letters comprise the monogram engraved within the front shield cartouche?
  • Does the movement or inner cuvette carry any additional retailer or service markings beyond the Maier & Berkele inscription?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 18K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Jewels17 jewels“having 17-jewel damascened movement equipped with a safety pinion”
Dial DescriptionWhite dial with black Arabic numerals and seconds subdial“white dial with black Arabic numerals, seconds subdial”
Movement EngravingEspecially Adjusted for Maier & Berkele Atlanta GA / 6810601“custom-engraved works "Especially Adjusted for Maier & Berkele Atlanta GA / 6810601"”
Case MarkingsROY / 18K / 112628“Back cover marked "ROY / 18K / 112628"”
Weight140 grams (with works)“total weight 140 grams (w/ works)”
DimensionsHeight 2.75 in (with crown), diameter 2.125 in, depth 0.625 in“Case h. 2.75 in (w/ crown), dia. 2.125 in, d. 0.625 in”
ProvenancePrivate Collection of Peter Daniel, Duluth, GA“Provenance Private Collection of Peter Daniel, Duluth GA.”
Reported ConditionRecently replaced crystal; scattered surface wear commensurate with age and use“Crystal recently replaced. Running and keeping time. Scattered surface wear commensurate with age and use.”

Visible details

  • Closed yellow gold hunter case with fine engine-turned texturing
  • Centrally engraved foliate shield cartouche containing a monogram
  • Ribbed winding crown topped with a smooth circular bow
  • Coin-edge or reeded pattern along the case rim

Research qualifications

  • Dial, crystal, inner cuvette, and movement are concealed inside the closed case in the photograph
  • Source notes the crystal was recently replaced

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Elgin, Elgin 18K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch, C. 1897

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 250c8a143e

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

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