This Railroad grade pocket watch from my collection which I was told was rare . I have never been able to establish the exact production figures of this model. Price guide gives a three star rating (less than 350 ) 23 jewel Illinois Watch co. 16 size La Fayette Grade 809 .Movement no. 2592746. Double sunk dial . gold filled case.
I need info of how many were made of this model .

The Illinois production record shows that Illinois Watch Co. produced a total of 20 of these in 1913 using model 9, 23 Jewel, 6 position adjusted Bunn special movements. The total production of this variant Bunn Special in the rest of this grade (including these) was itself only 330 movements. The 20 pieces made for Washington Watch Co. are unique for the extra "faux" plate cut to give the appearance that the fourth wheel is separate from the rest of the wheel train.
To value a watch this rare is difficult. Considering the condition of your example I would insure it for at least US$1000.00.

Many thanks David for your reply which answered all the info I was looking for . Here is a picture of the movement.

[Movement number: 2592746]

Beautiful piece of work! Named to celebrate the famous Marquis De-Lafayette, a (French) Hero of the American Revolution who went on to make major changes in the French political equation as well.

A good summary of his life is at;
http://www.monticello.org/site...marquis-de-lafayette

Hello Louis,

I found other topics dealing with "LaFayette" watches by accessing "Find-Or Search" from the main page:

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...h&reqWords=LaFayette

Don