Illinois Central

[Kent]

Jima:

According to information in "American Pocket Watches Serial Number Grade Book, 1993 Prices," Roy Ehrhardt & William Meggers, Jr., Heart of America Press, Kansas City, MO, 1993 (Still in print, see Heart of America Press), serial number 4,148,508 is a 12-size, model 3, grade number 405, 17-jewel, open-face movement.

I believe that "Illinois Central" was a private label, not an Illinois Watch Co. grade.

Kent

[This message has been edited by Kent (edited 06-09-2002).]

 

[Kent]

Jima:

Its a very nice watch. It just goes to show you that sometimes the serial number lists aren't perfect.

Why are you so sure that it is not a private label? That's the way its listed in "American Pocket Watches Vol. 2, Illinois Watch Co., Encyclopedia and Price Guide," William Meggers, Jr. & Roy Ehrhardt, Heart of America Press, Kansas City, MO, 1985 (still in print - see Heart of America Press). Besides, I've never seen a factory ad for an Illinois Central grade. And, that type of finish is unusual for a factory grade.

Kent

[This message has been edited by Kent (edited 06-09-2002).]

 

[Jerry Treiman]

Jima,
The image you posted is definitely a 12-size Illinois. One way to differentiate them is that the 16-size has both case screws on the barrel bridge whereas the 12-size has one on the center bridge, as on your watch.

 

[Kent]

Thanks Jerry:

I thought that it might be 12-size, but I have a problem telling the difference btween pictures of some 12-size models.

Kent

 

[rrwatch]

Illinois also made 16 size movements marked "Illinois Central" on both the dial and the movement

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Ed Ueberall
NAWCC #49688