Bidspirit auction | A Collection of Antique Elgin

A Collection of Antique Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch Movements and Dials - A collection of manual wind antique pocket watch movements and dials primarily produced by the Elgin National Watch Co. The group features movements with various finishes including brass-gilt and nickel. Several movement plates are inscribed with technical and manufacturer data. One large gilt plate is stamped with the serial number 960001 and reads ABBOTT PAT. JAN. 18. 1881. Another large plate is marked ELGIN NATL. WATCH CO., numbered 7678112, and indicates 15 JEWELS. A smaller nickel-finish movement is engraved M. D. Ogden and ELGIN, ILL. Other movements in the collection include inscriptions such as SAFETY PINION, U.S.A., and 17 JEWELS. Serial numbers visible across various plates include 21699389, 17354099, 19167196, and 7037729. The assortment includes porcelain enamel dials in both Roman and Arabic numeral formats. The dials bear variations of the brand name including ELGIN, Elgin in script, and ELGIN NATL. WATCH CO. Some dials feature blue numerals and sub-seconds tracks. The largest movements measure approximately 1.75 inches in diameter; the smallest movements measure approximately 1 inch in diameter. This collection is offered in as-found, non-working condition for parts or restoration only. All components show signs of heavy oxidation, surface dirt, and tarnish (photos 1, 4, 7). Several movements are missing critical internal components such as balance wheels, gears, and hairsprings (photos 4, 6). The porcelain dials exhibit significant damage, including multiple hairline cracks (photo 1), large enamel chips and losses particularly near the edges (photo 5), and surface staining. Many dials are missing hands or have hands that are bent or rusted (photos 1, 5).