Live Auction 2753Important Watches
Illinois Watch Co. A Fine and Rare Multi-Colored Gold-Filled Openface Keyless Lever Railroad Pocket Watch
Lot 92

Illinois Watch Co. A Fine and Rare Multi-Colored Gold-Filled Openface Keyless Lever Railroad Pocket Watch

SIGNED PENNSYLVANIA SPECIAL, MOVEMENT NO. 1'742'938, CASE NO. 727'846, SIGNED WADSWORTH, CIRCA 1904

Closed17 December 2013

Price Realised

USD 6,250

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Illinois Watch Co. A Fine and Rare Multi-Colored Gold-Filled Openface Keyless Lever Railroad Pocket Watch
Signed Pennsylvania Special, Movement No. 1'742'938, Case No. 727'846, signed Wadsworth, Circa 1904
18 size, full-plate two-tone nickel-finished lever movement, 26 jewels, gold screwed chatons, bimetallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, double roller, white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, outer calibrated black minutes division with red Arabic five minute divisions, circular case, the back cover with multi-color engraved train on track motif surrounded by multi-colored floral and swag motif, plain bezel, screw back, dial and movement signed, movement numbered, case signed Wadsworth and numbered
54.5mm diam.

Specialist note

Railroad watches were often referred to in the railroad industry as "standard watches". Railroad watches were carried by the engineers and conductors on the steam locomotive, their watches had to be ones that were recognized for railroad time service. However they were not that standard, as there were different watches accepted for each railway company. Some railroads would necessitate specific brands and models while, others only listed requirements. Many of these American watches pieces were made in Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Illinois.