Illinois ?104

[lomax]

I'm not a collector but I've inherited an Illinois Watch CO. pocket watch which has been in the family over 60 years. I know nothing about pocket watches but think I have worked out by trawling web that it's an 1882 Grade 104 Model 3, fifth pinion, open face; nickel in coin silver case; serial no. 217291, movement engraved ‘Alleghany’ and ‘Patent Pinion’; stamped 384 on rear bezel. Face marked ILLINOIS WATCH Co below 12 o’clock; second hand in subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock. Inside of back cover stamped COIN plus monogram in lozenge, plus 5-pointed star in shield, also scratched jeweller’s marks. 15” (excluding clasp) chain is silver, bar and all links hallmarked – possibly Chester (UK). Complete and in full working order. Does this sound right???! And does anyone know why it's engraved with 'Alleghany'? Can post photos if it's possible and someone tells me how to do it! Thanks in anticipation.

[lomax]

I'm not a collector but I've inherited an Illinois Watch CO. pocket watch which has been in the family over 60 years. I know nothing about pocket watches but think I have worked out by trawling web that it's an 1882 Grade 104 Model 3, fifth pinion, open face; nickel in coin silver case; serial no. 217291, movement engraved ‘Alleghany’ and ‘Patent Pinion’; stamped 384 on rear bezel. Face marked ILLINOIS WATCH Co below 12 o’clock; second hand in subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock. Inside of back cover stamped COIN plus monogram in lozenge, plus 5-pointed star in shield, also scratched jeweller’s marks. 15” (excluding clasp) chain is silver, bar and all links hallmarked – possibly Chester (UK). Complete and in full working order. Does this sound right???! And does anyone know why it's engraved with 'Alleghany'? Can post photos if it's possible and someone tells me how to do it! Thanks in anticipation.

[terry hall]

good day..

is the number 217291 engraved on the plates of the watch or is this from the case?

the 104 was from specific serial number ranges...

it the 217291 is on the movement, then your watch is a grade 101 ...

[lomax]

Hi Terry - thanks for reply - yes, 217291 is engraved on the backplate of the movement (there is a number on the inside of the back cover too - 10384) I know in its history it must have crossed the Atlantic several times! All the more amazing that, after years of neglect, it worked perfectly when I wound it up a few days ago.

[Fred Hansen]

I do not know the reason for the Alleghany name, but the Illinois grade 101 is often seen marked with interesting one or two word "names" on the plate and the Alleghany is one I have seen a few times before.

Fred

[lomax]

Fred, Many thanks for that information... so Alleghany does not indicate production runs, or anything specific...howeversomething must have inspired its use!