The book History of the American Watch Case, Warren H. Niebling, Whitmore Publishing, Philadelphia, PA, 1971 (available on loan by mail to members from the NAWCC Library & Research Center), has a small amount to say about the Essex Watch Case Co. It began in 1884, making a grade of gold-filled cases named "Columbia." After several years, Thomas B. Hagstoz, who at one time was in a partnership that held the J. Boss patent for gold-filled case manufacture, was named president of Essex. Under his leadership, Essex expanded its line to include 14K and 18K solid gold cases as well as silver cases. "By 1894 they were turning out 300 cases a day."
The Essex Watch Case Co. appears to have been taken over by the Courvoisier-Wilcox Mfg Co. some time between 1892, when the Columbia grade was still being sold by the Essex Watch Case Co., and 1895, at which time surviving ads show the change. Perhaps this occurred during the Panic of 1893. This firm continued the Essex line of solid gold cases; gold-filled cases, such as the Superior (and probably others); and silver cases as well. As pictures (posted by richiec) show, the Superior case was marked 14K - Guraanteed 25 Years while the case paper clearly shows that it is a gold-filled case.
Columbia was a mid to high grade gold filled case guaranteed to last 15 to 20 years before wearing down to its copper center
I have a Dennison Watch Case Co. 14ct Gold Sovereign Case # 23748 with Two Gold Sovereigns from 1897 and 1909 in it. Markhall5@verizon.net
Maybe
My understanding is that a 15 jewel watch is not an "official" railroad watch. Elgin was probably playing off the railroad theme. You did not give the size or if the watch is open face or hunting case. I am guessing that the watch is open face. Value depends largely on whether the watch case is solid gold or if it is gold filled. I am guessing gold filled on a 15 jewel. If the case says "warranted" it is most likely gold filled. A 20 year case is 10k gold filled and a 25 year case is 14k gold filled. What I have seen sell in antique malls is $100-200 for gold filled and $300-500 if solid gold. I am not an authority on pocket watches.
18k
"Plaque" on a watch case typically refers to a layer of gold or another precious metal that has been applied to the surface through a process like electroplating. The "g" likely stands for grams, indicating the weight of the gold used in the plating process. The measurement of "20 microns" refers to the thickness of the gold layer, with one micron equaling one-millionth of a meter. This measurement indicates the quality and durability of the gold plating on the watch case.
If you can give me the number off of the movement not the case i can tell you about how much your watch is worth.
200 or more
150$
about 18 karats. just joking. it depends on the weight of the case. 18k gold is 750 parts gold, and 250 parts other metals. if the case weighed 40 grams, thats 30 grams of pure gold. in most cases, a good solid gold pocket watch is worth more as an antique than scrap gold.
A watch case is the outer covering that houses the watch movement, dial, and other components. It can be made from various materials such as stainless steel, titanium, gold, or ceramic, and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit different styles and preferences. The case not only protects the internal components but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the watch.
I am not an authority on pocket watches. Value depends largely on whether it has a gold case or a gold filled case. A 15-jewel watch is not officially a "railroad" watch. I think Elgin was probably playing off the railroad theme. Also, I would guess that a 15 jewel is probably gold filled. If the inside of the cased is marked "warranted" it is most likely gold filled. I think a 20 year case is 10k goldfilled and a 25 year case is 14k gold filled. You did not mention the size or if it is open face or a hunting case watch. What I have seen sell in antique malls is $100-200 if gold filled, $300-500 if solid gold. Hope this helps. Perhaps someone with more information will respond. Larry
I'm sure you know the purity of gold is given in karats (12kt = 50% purity, 24kt = 100% pure, etc).If the watch is solid gold it will be marked (usually inside the case) 10kt , 12kt ,14kt , 18kt.A gold-filled watch will have the letters GF after the karat mark.