I purchased this Howard years ago at the beginning of my watch collecting days and have a few questions for the experts re: the case. First what I know about the watch.
The case is very fancy engraved case with scalloped edges. I have no reason to doubt that the front and rear covers are original to the case as everything seems to match up very well.
There are no casemaker marks under the front or rear covers but the numbers 669 in roman numerals are stamped along the lids edge. The number 669 is also marked on the case body near the rear lids hinge. The inside of the dust cover is marked Critereon, 14K and has the serial # 223667 and seems to fit well with the body when snapped together. So, did some crafty person add the closely numbered 14k dust cover to the case or does it seem possible that the case was mismarked from the factory ?, or is it a fraud all the way around meant to decieve the unknowing watch collector?.
Also, the case does not appear to be a solid gold case in my opinion (but I have only owned 2 solid cases so not much to base it by). It is obviously not a case meant for a Howard and does have extra movement screw marks.
It would seem odd that someone would have such a closely numbered dustcover lying around to add to this movement but seems equally odd that no other makers marks appear on the outer covers, so what say you?

Another case pic

Front cover

Movement

Last one

Ray,
I don't think anyone can definitively determine if your case is solid gold or not, or if the cuvette was switched or is a factory error. But in the absence of acid testing, there are a couple of simple things you can do that might give you a better idea of gold content.

1. Have you tried the "flex test" on the cuvette? Solid gold cuvettes are thin and somewhat flexible.

2. This 2nd idea is not very scientific, but you can hold two comparable cases (one gold filled and the other solid gold) for a few minutes in your hand to warm them up. After you put them on table for minute or two the one that cools off quicker is gold filled. This test is used with fake pearls, as well.

I would have preferred to see the word 'warranted' next to the 14K mark in a diamond on your case. And I'm not seeing 'Criterion' solid gold marks in any list of solid gold marks which is a little suspicious. Also, Criterion is not on the list of Watch case companies used by Howard to produce their solid gold cases (Complete Guide p. 255).

The difference in the cuvette number and the case body (***669 vs ***667) would not bother me at all; human error....probably females jabbering. Hahahaha!
Mike

C. 1900 Men's Pocket Watch by Criterion Watch Co, Springfield, Illinois. Presumed gold-filled case, missing back cover. Not ... (Total: 1 items)
Auction: Marketplace Auction #87041

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this had an illinois movement in it,so Criterion Watch Co. Springfield Illinois is possible and a good bet your case might have Illinois screw marks Tom

and another is listed on XXXX XXXXXX post on XXXXX Illinois Criterion

In "Trademarks" by Ehrhardt it lists Criterion Watch Case Mfg. Co., 171 Wallabout St., Brooklyn NY. It doesn't show any trade mark like that, the only one listed is a floral wreath with a capital C in the center & a star in the center of the C.

This is an ad I found on line

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I will have it tested so I can know either way.
Thanks everyone,
Ray