Bidspirit auction | Illinois Watch Co. Wheeler 18

Illinois Watch Co. Wheeler 18 Size 15 Jewel Pocket Watch Movement Serial 325486 - A vintage American pocket watch movement featuring a nickel plate with decorative damaskeening. The top plate is engraved in a blackletter script reading Illinois Watch Co. and Springfield Ill. adjacent to the serial number 325486. The movement is fitted with a balance bridge stamped Adjusted and a regulator scale marked with the patent date PAT. 6, 22, 80. The grade name WHEELER is engraved near the regulator, and the center wheel bridge is marked Patent Pinion. The movement is a manual wind, key-wind/key-set configuration. The pillar plate beneath the dial side also bears the matching serial number 325486. This item is the movement only; the case, dial, and hands are not present. The movement measures approximately 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) in diameter. This movement is in non-working condition and is suitable for parts or restoration only. The hairspring is significantly distorted and tangled (photo 3). Widespread oxidation, pitting, and heavy grime are visible across the nickel plates and brass components (photo 1). Rust is present on several steel components, most notably on the winding arbor and multiple screws (photo 2). The pillar plate shows significant surface scratching and environmental wear (photo 4).