Expert: Melvin Mills - 8/11/2010

Question
Hi Melvin, I have recently inherited a pocket watch and wondered if you could give me any information about it?
It is a white faced watch with 'Illinos' in the middle of the dial, it has arabic numbers in black and outer numbers 5 to 60 in red, also a small seconds dial at the bottom. On the inside of the case (gold coloured, like rose gold) it has stamped 'wadsworth' warranted 20 years and the number 1856235. On the movement part of the watch it has Illinos watch co. Springfield. 15 jewels, and the number 2470773. I would like to know the age (year) of the watch and what metal it is made of, it is in good working order and I am wondering if I should be insuring it? any information would be much appreciated, many thanks, I will look forward to your reply. Kind regards Diane

Answer
Ms. Diane,

Based on the information on

http://www.pocketwatchsite.com/illinoisserials.html

your watch was made in 1912.

The case is gold filled.  It was guaranteed not to wear through
to the base metal for 20 years (warranted 20 years).

Whether to insure it is a personal matter.  Some people feel peace of mind and others do not.  I am not sure how things work in the UK but in America, a homeowners insurance policy will cover jewelry as well.  Check with your insurance company to see if the same holds true for you.

Kind regards,

Melvin