Lord Elgin

[pocketwatcher]

I have a 12 size Lord Elgin, with an original 14k solid gold Lord Elgin "Classic" case. I have been trying to find out more about this case & model(been to THE ELGIN SITE on the web), the year 1923, but have yet to find another like it, therefore no info, How rare is this case? The words"Lord Elgin Classic"is on the dust cover
with the inside of the back cover very ornate,raised gold numerals,gold hands, open face. So who is the Lord Elgin expert out there?
Thanks

[pocketwatcher]

I have a 12 size Lord Elgin, with an original 14k solid gold Lord Elgin "Classic" case. I have been trying to find out more about this case & model(been to THE ELGIN SITE on the web), the year 1923, but have yet to find another like it, therefore no info, How rare is this case? The words"Lord Elgin Classic"is on the dust cover
with the inside of the back cover very ornate,raised gold numerals,gold hands, open face. So who is the Lord Elgin expert out there?
Thanks

[Rich]

Forgive me for eavesdropping, Guys, but otherwise I might have missed the superb pictures ads from Wayne's 1923 Picture Gallery.

Thanks Wayne, I must have missed them on previous visits to your very informative site.

Cheers!

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'Rich'
#149591

[This message has been edited by Rich (edited 10-12-2001).]

[Jerry Treiman]

I have a 1926 Benjamin Allen & Co. ad which shows the "Classic" with the following description:
"The Classic Series of 12-size thin model Elgins presents the 19 Jewel Lord Elgin Movement, with 8 Adjustments and exquisite workmanship throughout.
The new Classic case of original design, is beautifully balanced, and comes in 14K White Gold, 14K Green Gold, and 14K Yellow Gold. The back is Butler finish harmonizing with the fine border engraving. The dial is of silver, with raised gold numerals and hands that conform to the dial design.
Classic models come in handsome gift boxes, and retail at $150, list at $178.20."

The Classic Series is featured on the same page with the Presentation Series (Hulburd) and the Corsican Series. I do not understand the meaning of retail versus list price.

[Tom McIntyre]

Retail vs. list is code for dealer price vs. selling price vs. advertized price.

If you made your standard volume, the dealer price was "keystone" or one half the retail price you were expected to sell the watch for.

The list price was the price you and everyone else was obliged to use in advertizing.

I have never seen this in print, but this is what some old-time jewelers have told me.

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Tom McIntyre
Past President, NAWCC Chapter 174
Pocket Horology Web (http://www.pocketwatch.org)
Tommy the JOAT's Web (http://www.mcintyre.com/McIntyre)

[sabphd]

At that vintage and later, The Lord Elgin term became commonly used for the high grade Elgin watch.In earlier years, The Lord Elgin was rare and very unusual paticularly in the 16s model. The streamline, or thin models were very common in the late 1920's.The later model, the less special they were.

[doug sinclair]

In some instances, the cost (to the retailer) could be calculated by dividing the LIST price by TWO! If that applies here, it would appear as though the watch would cost the retailer $ 89.10. This formula has applied for many years in many types of business. Whether it applies here or not I can't say.

Regards,
Doug S.