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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch

Elgin Hunter Pocket Watch with Masonic Dial

Partially verified

This gold-plated pocket watch by Elgin dates to circa 1896 and is housed in a Keystone hunter case measuring 54 mm in diameter. The stem-wound, lever-set timepiece contains a gilt three-quarter plate movement featuring 7 jewels and a lever escapement, marked with serial number 6085291 according to the dealer. Its white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, blue steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial, accompanied by painted Masonic imagery including the motto 'In Hoc Signo Vinces' and the name 'R K Miller'. The front cover opens upon pressing the winder, and the watch rests in a fitted retailer box.

Front view of open Elgin pocket watch with Masonic dial resting inside fitted retailer presentation box
Front view of open Elgin pocket watch with Masonic dial resting inside fitted retailer presentation box — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.149 (AB-104774)
Source-reported date
c1896
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
6085291

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 Decoration

The pocket watch is housed in a gold-plated case produced by the Keystone Watch Case Company in the United States, measuring 54 mm in width by 13 mm in depth. The exterior features chased sides, rich chased detailing on the edges and front cover, and a decorative engraving of two horses' heads on the back cover.

According to the source, the case is constructed with a hinged inner cover, back cover, and front cover, and the front cover pops open to 90 degrees when the winder is pressed. While the text refers in one instance to a 'half hunter case', the visible front cover in the photograph appears solid rather than glazed, consistent with hunter pocket watch descriptions elsewhere in the record.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold plated half hunter case by the Keystone watch case company, USA.”
  • “The watch measures 54mm wide x 13mm deep”
  • “The case has a hinged inner, back and front cover. The front cover pops open to 90 degrees when you press the winder in.”
  • “The case has chased sides and is beautifully decorated with two horses heads on the back and rich chased detailing on the edges and front cover.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The timepiece features a white enamel dial fitted with mineral glass and a full set of blued steel hands, with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is signed 'Elgin' beneath the 12 o'clock area.

Painted decoration on the dial includes a polychrome Masonic emblem featuring a central shield with a cross, accompanied by the inscription 'In Hoc Signo Vinces'. The dial is also inscribed with the name 'R K Miller', stated by the seller to be the original owner.

Evidence for this section
  • “the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Elgin”.”
  • “The dial is decorated with a painted Masonic symbol and also “In Hoc Signo Vinces” and also the original owner’s name “R K Miller”.”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “Front cover opened to reveal a white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock.”
  • “A central polychrome shield emblem featuring a cross is painted on the upper dial.”

Reported Movement and Packaging

The movement is not exposed in the provided imagery. The seller documents the caliber as a stem-wound, lever-set gilt three-quarter plate movement equipped with a lever escapement and 7 jewels, signed 'Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, USA' under serial number 6085291.

The watch is accompanied by a vintage leather retailer box lined in silk and velvet. As observed in the photograph, the inner silk lid is stamped with the retailer mark 'E. G. POLLEY ONEIDA, N. Y.'

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and 7 jewels. The movement is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, USA” # 6085291”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”
  • “The watch comes in a vintage leather box lined with silk and velvet signed by the NY retailer.”
  • “Presented in an open, red velvet and cream silk-lined retailer box stamped 'E. G. POLLEY ONEIDA, N. Y.'”

Open research questions

  • What model and production run corresponds to Elgin serial number 6085291 in published factory records?
  • What specific grade of gold plate or guarantee duration is marked on the interior of the Keystone Watch Case Company case?
  • Do historical business directories for Oneida, New York provide documentation for jeweler/retailer E. G. Polley during the circa 1896 period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Hunter Pocket Watch with Masonic Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement ManufacturerElgin“The movement was made by the American company Elgin.”
Movement Serial Number6085291“signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, USA” # 6085291”
Jewel Count7 jewels“the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and 7 jewels.”
Case MakerKeystone Watch Case Company“gold plated half hunter case by the Keystone watch case company, USA.”
Dimensions54mm wide x 13mm deep“The watch measures 54mm wide x 13mm deep”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Dial InscriptionIn Hoc Signo Vinces“painted Masonic symbol and also “In Hoc Signo Vinces””
Crystal MaterialMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Case Opening MechanismPops open to 90 degrees when winder is pressed“The front cover pops open to 90 degrees when you press the winder in.”
Case DecorationTwo horses' heads on the back, chased sides, edges, and front cover“The case has chased sides and is beautifully decorated with two horses heads on the back and rich chased detailing on the edges and front cover.”

Visible details

  • Front cover opened to reveal a white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock.
  • A central polychrome shield emblem featuring a cross is painted on the upper dial.
  • Presented in an open, red velvet and cream silk-lined retailer box stamped 'E. G. POLLEY ONEIDA, N. Y.'

Research qualifications

  • The source text describes the case as a 'half hunter' in one paragraph and a 'hunter pocket watch' elsewhere, though the visible inner front cover appears solid.
  • The movement is not visible in the photograph; movement configuration, jewel count, and serial number are source-reported.

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

Consulted source

Victorian hunter pocket watch by Elgin with Masonic dial c1896 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f3f0e8683a

Terms in this record

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

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