Expert: Melvin Mills - 7/16/2009

Question
I have a Hamilton pocket watch sn# 956852 iam not sure what the case is made out of can you tell me how to tell

Answer
I can tell you but you might not like the answer.

If the watch case does not say what it is made of, you will need to have it analyzed.  A jeweler can do a chemical analysis without hurting the case and then you will have your answer.  Unless you have a specific reason, it probably is not worth the expense to find out.

If the case was made by an American company, it would be stated on the inside of the case, such as solid gold, gold filled, etc.  If it was valuable, it would state the material.

No markings mean that it is likely to be some alloy.

Kind regards,

Melvin