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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Illinois Hunter Case Pocket Watch with Guard Chain

Partially verified

According to the seller, this late Victorian ensemble comprises an Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch suspended from a gold-filled double rope guard chain. The pocket watch features an engraved case with foliate and floral scrollwork and swing-out construction, measuring approximately 44 mm in diameter. The interior of the case is reported to bear the number 807355, alongside a handwritten marking 668 and a service inscription reading B839Y. The attached guard chain features a rectangular slide and swivel clasp stamped for 1/20 12K gold-filled composition.

Front view of the closed engraved Illinois hunter case pocket watch attached to a gold-filled guard chain
Front view of the closed engraved Illinois hunter case pocket watch attached to a gold-filled guard chain — Chairish. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36716338
Source-reported date
circa 1890–1900
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
807355

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 Aesthetic

The Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch features a round case decorated with high-relief Victorian foliate and floral scrollwork. It is designed with a swing-out construction intended to protect the internal mechanical movement.

The case measures approximately 44 mm in diameter. Seller reports indicate that the two hinged doors do not close fully and that the watch shows age-appropriate wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch”
  • “The case features high relief Victorian foliate and floral scrollwork engraving with a solid back and swing out case construction”
  • “The watch case measures approximately 44 mm”
  • “The two hinged doors on the watch case do not close fully.”

Internal Markings and Provenance

The interior of the watch case is marked with the number 807355. Additional internal markings include a handwritten '668' on the inner metal rim near the movement and a service inscription reading 'B839Y'.

The internal mechanical movement is unviewable, as the seller reports an inability to open the case due to age-related corrosion.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Illinois pocket watch is numbered “807355” on the interior of the case.”
  • “handwritten “668” on the inner metal rim near the movement”
  • ““B839Y,” a historical service inscription etched nearby”
  • “The mechanical movement could not be opened or evaluated due to age related corrosion”

Guard Chain Assembly

The ensemble includes a double rope guard chain measuring 29.5 inches in length. The chain is fitted with an adjustable engraved rectangular slide and a heavy dog clip swivel clasp.

The clasp is stamped '1/20 12K G.F.', indicating a gold-filled composition. The total weight of the ensemble is approximately 75 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “The double rope guard chain is gold filled and fitted with its original adjustable engraved rectangular slide and heavy dog clip swivel clasp.”
  • “The chain is stamped “1/20 12K G.F.” on the clasp”
  • “Chain measures 29.5" and weighs 37 grams. Complete ensemble weighs approximately 75 grams.”

Open research questions

  • Does serial number 807355 correspond to verified production records for the Illinois Watch Company?
  • Can the service inscription 'B839Y' be identified as a standardized marking style used by specific watchmakers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Hunter Case Pocket Watch with Guard Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIllinois Watch Company“Illinois Watch Company hunter case pocket watch”
Case Number807355“numbered “807355” on the interior of the case”
Service InscriptionB839Y““B839Y,” a historical service inscription etched nearby”
Additional Case Marking668“handwritten “668” on the inner metal rim near the movement”
Clasp Stamping1/20 12K G.F.“The chain is stamped “1/20 12K G.F.” on the clasp”
Estimated Datingcirca 1890–1900“An antique late Victorian ladies’ guard chain and Illinois pocket watch ensemble, circa 1890–1900.”

Visible details

  • Closed hunter case exterior adorned with engraved foliate scrollwork
  • Pendant bow and crown positioned at top of the case attached via dog clip to a rope-twist chain
  • Visible case hinge along the bottom edge of the watch cover
  • Sliding rectangular element mounted along the chain above the pocket watch attachment

Research qualifications

  • The dial and internal movement are not shown in the image and could not be opened by the seller due to corrosion.
  • The seller notes that the two hinged doors do not close completely.

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

Consulted source

Late Victorian Gold Filled Guard Chain With Illinois Hunter Case Pocket Watch, C. 1890–1900 | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 57e025d1c1

Terms in this record

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

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