Expert: Melvin Mills - 3/8/2009

Question
Hi
I have inherited a pocket watch about which I knew nothing. All I have is the information on the watch itself. This is:
On the movement - 1049082 Safety pinion Illinois Watch Co Springfield
On the watch face - A F Pickert Atalanta GA
Inside the first lid - Warranted 14K US ASSAY 6856
Inside the second lid - 6856 and a monogram of what looks like DM but might be JDM
The outside case is heavily engraved. It is a beautiful thing and still works.
I would love to know more about it. Any clues you can give me on its origins or on how to research it would be much appreciated.
It has clearly been in the UK since at least 1939.
One possibility is that it came over with my grandmother from Canada in 1939. The other possbility is that it came from my Welsh ancestry, quite a number of the family emigrated to Pennsylvania in the late 19thC to work the quarries.
Hope you find this of some interest
Stephen Ashley

Answer
Stephen,

This is very interesting for me. I love watches with family history.

Based on the watch movement serial number, we know that your watch was made in 1891.  It is made of 14k gold.  

The Illinois Watch Co. is very famous and a well respected watch manufacturer from 1869-1927 (1928-1950's owned by Hamilton Watch Company).  

The Hamilton watch company made watches with the Illinois name for some time after they took over the company.  They were from Lancaster, PA.

That is a wonderful watch.  If I may suggest, put in writing everything you know about it, such as the previous owners, their dates of birth/death, occupation, where they lived.  That will make it that much more valuable when you pass it down.

Kind regards,

Melvin