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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch

J.E. Caldwell & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Catalogued by Freeman's, this pocket watch features an 18-karat yellow gold hunting case measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter. The source reports a manual-wind movement stamped 'J.E. Caldwell & Co. Philadelphia No. 21487', matching the serial number stamped on the interior of the case. The white dial displays black Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer minute track with red five-minute numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The overall gross weight of the timepiece is catalogued at 68.25 dwt.

Dial and open hunting case of J.E. Caldwell & Co. 18K yellow gold pocket watch
Dial and open hunting case of J.E. Caldwell & Co. 18K yellow gold pocket watch — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
315
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
21487

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

Construction and Exterior

This J.E. Caldwell & Co. timepiece is a hunter pocket watch featuring an 18-karat yellow gold case measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter. The case includes a coin-edge or reeded pattern along the case band and bezel rim.

A ribbed or fluted winding crown and bow are located at the 3 o'clock position. The hunting case includes a hinged front lid which opens to the left.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case size: Approx. 50 mm”
  • “Case material: 18K yellow gold”
  • “Coin-edge or reeded pattern along the case band and bezel rim”
  • “Ribbed or fluted winding crown with bow situated at 3 o'clock”
  • “Hunting case format shown with hinged front lid open to the left”

Dial Specifications

The watch features a white dial with black Arabic numeral hour markers. The dial includes an outer minute track containing red Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.

A subsidiary seconds register is positioned at the 6 o'clock location.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel or painted dial featuring black Arabic numerals”
  • “Outer track marked with red Arabic five-minute intervals”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock”

Movement and Markings

The timepiece is powered by a manual-wind movement. The auction source records the movement as being stamped 'J.E. Caldwell & Co. Philadelphia No. 21487', with matching serial number markings reported on the interior of the case.

The movement components are not visible in the provided photographic evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual wind”
  • “Movement: J.E. Caldwell & Co. Philadelphia No. 21487.”
  • “Case interior: J.E. CALDWELL & CO. PHILADELPHIA 18K 21487.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement caliber associated with serial number 21487 identify a specific ebauche manufacturer?
  • Are there additional hallmarks present on the interior case back not captured in the auction description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.E. Caldwell & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.E. Caldwell & Co.“Maker: J.E. Caldwell & Co.”
Serial number21487“Serial number: 21487”
Case sizeApprox. 50 mm“Case size: Approx. 50 mm”
Case material18K yellow gold“Case material: 18K yellow gold”
MovementManual wind“Movement: Manual wind”
Case interior stampJ.E. CALDWELL & CO. PHILADELPHIA 18K 21487“Case interior: J.E. CALDWELL & CO. PHILADELPHIA 18K 21487.”
Gross weight68.25 dwt“Gross weight: 68.25 dwt.”

Visible details

  • Hunting case format shown with hinged front lid open to the left
  • White enamel or painted dial featuring black Arabic numerals
  • Outer track marked with red Arabic five-minute intervals
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Ribbed or fluted winding crown with bow situated at 3 o'clock
  • Coin-edge or reeded pattern along the case band and bezel rim

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case markings are reported by the auction house but not visible in the provided photo
  • Underlying ebauche manufacturer is not identified beyond retailer markings

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

Consulted source

J.E. CALDWELL & CO., 18K YELLOW GOLD POCKET WATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e7888f89e3

Terms in this record

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

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