Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch

Elgin National Watch Co. G.M. Wheeler 14K Gold Hunter-Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an Elgin National Watch Co. hunter-case pocket watch catalogued to circa 1906. According to the auction description, the movement is a G.M. Wheeler model 2, grade 346, size 12 with 17 jewels and movement serial number 12354255. The watch features an engraved 14-karat gold hunting case decorated with foliate and floral motifs surrounding a central cartouche. The auctioneer reported a total weight of 71.9 grams, noted a cracked crystal and loose hand, and included an accompanying glass display dome with wood base.

Front engraved cover of the Elgin 14K gold hunting-case pocket watch
Front engraved cover of the Elgin 14K gold hunting-case pocket watch — O'Gallerie. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
15
Source-reported date
circa 1906
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
12354255

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 watch is housed in an engraved 14-karat gold hunter-case. The exterior features a decorative scheme composed of floral buds, leaves, and scrolling foliage. The central field of the cover incorporates a basketweave or engine-turned texture set behind the raised floral motifs.

A shield-shaped cartouche is positioned in the lower section of the cover and bears a personalized engraving. The pendant, crown, and rounded bow are oriented at the 12 o'clock position in relation to the case decoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved 14K gold hunting case”
  • “Closed yellow gold hunting case decorated with engraved floral buds, leaves, and scrolling foliage.”
  • “Basketweave or engine-turned pattern filling the central field behind floral stems.”
  • “Lower shield-shaped cartouche engraved with initials.”

Movement Specifications and Identification

This timepiece is identified as an Elgin National Watch Co. production, specifically designated as a 'G.M. Wheeler' model. It is reported to be a size 12 movement, identified as grade 346, model 2, equipped with 17 jewels.

The movement is assigned serial number 12354255. Attributed to circa 1906, these technical specifications are as provided by the auction catalog.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elgin National Watch Co., G.M. Wheeler, model 2, grade 346, size 12, 17 jewels, s/n 12354255, circa 1906”

Condition and Reported Observations

The auction record notes two specific functional defects: a cracked crystal and a loose hand visible through the crystal. The internal condition of the dial and movement is not visible in the provided imagery.

The reported total weight for the lot is 71.9 grams. The item was accompanied at the time of cataloging by a glass display dome and a wooden base, though these are not depicted in the provided visual records.

Evidence for this section
  • “cracked crystal, loose hand visible through the crystal”
  • “71.9 grams total weight.”
  • “A glass display dome with wood base accompanies the lot.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 12354255 align with Elgin production records for the 1906 timeframe?
  • What is the full content of the initials engraved in the lower shield-shaped cartouche?
  • Can the specific internal movement condition be assessed to confirm the reported 17-jewel configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin National Watch Co. G.M. Wheeler 14K Gold Hunter-Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin National Watch Co.“Elgin National Watch Co.”
Model NameG.M. Wheeler“G.M. Wheeler”
Movement Grade and ModelModel 2, grade 346“model 2, grade 346”
Movement Size and JewelsSize 12, 17 jewels“size 12, 17 jewels”
Movement Serial Number12354255“s/n 12354255”
Case Material14K gold“engraved 14K gold hunting case”
Total Weight71.9 grams“71.9 grams total weight”

Visible details

  • Closed yellow gold hunting case decorated with engraved floral buds, leaves, and scrolling foliage.
  • Basketweave or engine-turned pattern filling the central field behind floral stems.
  • Lower shield-shaped cartouche engraved with initials.
  • Pendant, crown, and rounded bow positioned at 12 o'clock relative to the cover engraving.

Research qualifications

  • The movement, dial, and crystal are not visible in the supplied photograph of the closed case.
  • Movement specifications, jewel count, serial number, and condition reports (cracked crystal, loose hand) are source-reported and cannot be verified from the image.
  • The accompanying glass display dome and wooden base are not depicted.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: FOURTEEN KARAT GOLD HUNTER-CASE POCKET WATCH

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6f943c3cc7

Terms in this record

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

Other hunter-case pocket watch records