Expert: William J Perkins - 1/4/2010

Question
Passed down through the family for many years. Several watch collectors in family that kept it in excellent or better condition. The engraving on the outer case (both sides) is in excellent or better condition and none of the color (gold plating) is the least bit worn) Also keeps time. Want to keep it but need a current appraisal for insurance purposes. Do you do this? Even if you don't do formal appraisals for which I would pay a reasonable fee, I suppose some idea as to it's value would also be helpful.

Also curious as to it's ability to keep time after so many years. I am assuming that from the serial number (#110) which is stamped on the back next to the timing wheel and above where "Elgin, Ill" is engraved that this was made in or around 1864?

Any comments are appreciated

John

Answer
Per my allexperts resume', which undoubtable led you to me, I will answer question relative to mechanical clocks.  I will break that rule to the following extent., if your watch were made in 1864 it would be an extremely rare watch indeed. 1864 is the year the Elgin watch company was formed.  The first watches sold by the company were marketed 2 years and 7 months after the date of organization of the company, April 1, 1867.  Those watches included the B. W. Raymond.  If your watch does indeed have a serial number #110 I urge that you have this watch researched.  Contact the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for guidance.  It is possible you have a very rare timepiece.  Let me know how this develops.  Regards WJP