Bidspirit auction | Elgin National Watch Co Grade

Elgin National Watch Co Grade 291 16 Size Gold Filled Pocket Watch - This is an American open-face pocket watch produced by the Elgin National Watch Co. The white porcelain enamel dial features a cursive black signature reading Elgin Natl Watch Co. It is configured with black Roman numeral hour markers, a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, and blued steel hands. The movement is a manual pendant-wind and pendant-set mechanism. The nickel-finished movement plates are decorated with damaskeening and bear the engraved marks ELGIN NATL WATCH CO., U.S.A., and serial number 22828192. The gold-filled case was manufactured by the Fahys Watch Case Co. The interior of the case back features an engraved caduceus-style logo above the name Fahys and the word MONTAUK, along with the text GUARANTEED 20 YEARS and serial number 10869894. Several hand-scratched watchmaker service marks are visible on the interior case back, including 8137 / 0729 and 11696. The exterior case back is decorated with engine-turned linear and foliate patterns surrounding an unengraved shield-shaped cartouche. This watch does not run. Diameter: 2 inches. The porcelain dial exhibits extensive crazing and multiple hairline cracks radiating across the entire surface (photo 1). Small chips are visible at the outer edge of the dial near the IX position (photo 9). The gold-filled case shows significant wear and brassing, where the base metal is visible through the gold layer on the pendant, bow, and high points of the case edges (photo 2). The engine-turned engraving on the rear cover shows softening from historical use (photo 2). The crystal has light surface scratches throughout (photo 1). The movement appears visually clean and intact, though it is currently non-functional (photo 7).