Please help ID Elgin 1894 military hand-painted pocket watch.

[Vic Kuring]

Alan,

What a great find - a watch (or at least a dial) that apparently has some way if tracking it's provenance!

The dial appears hand painted to me.

Did you try doing an internet search on the person's whose name appears on the dial in connection with that war?

Look inside the back cover of the case on the rim where the movement screws into. Are there any marks from other screws in different locations? Does the inside of the back cover and that would tell you who made your open face screw back(?) and bezel case? Does it state something to the effect of "warranteed 10yrs"?
It appears to be a Gold filled one to my novice eye.

I would be interested in what you find on this one so please keep this post updated if, in fact, you find out more

Regards,
Vic Kuring.

[4thdimension]

Alan,
Very interesting. I've got a Waltham painted the same way! I never knew what the other flag
was until I read your post. It also has the same sort of printing of someone's name, including the red first letters. I'll dig it out tomorrow and report what the name is.
Vic, Good suggestion-to search for the name on the internet!
-Cort

[Tom Huber]

I have a Hamilton 940 that has hidden info on the dial. It had been etched with India ink and was worn or buffed off. The info can be seen with a strong loup and a bright light. From the name and other info I found a wealth of info on the man, ie, his birthdate, his date of death, his military record, where he was born. I am still hoping to find more info on him.

A watch like this can be a lot of fun. Do try to find some info on the owner.

BTW. The decorative painting of dials was popular in the late 1800's and early part of the 20th century. This was done at county fairs, carnivals, etc. This is definitely an aftermarket painting done specifically for the owner of the watch.

Tom