Hello I was just given a footlocker from my grandfather who served in WWII. At the bottom of the footlocker lay a pocket watch that on the front say Illinois Watch Co and the serial number on the back reads 1829302 15 jewels Illinois watch co Springfield
from the research I have done all I can find out is that it was made in 1905 can anyone give me anymore info on this family heirloom ?

Welcome Joshua

Photos are always helpful. From your serial number it is listed as 18 size lever set open face watch with 15 jewels. A model 6 grade 59 made in 1905 like you mentioned.

I hope this helps you some.

Tom

so I tried to upload some photos of my watch but it is saying the file size is to large any recommendations? and can you give me any more information regarding this watches price in 1905 and how accurate of a watch it is?

You have a popular lever set Open Face Grade 59 carry watch. Illinois produced 62,400 of these between 1902 and 1929, and yours was part of a fairly early 500 Pc run in mid 1905. The movement is very similar to this 17J Gr 69 which was 3-5 Position adjusted version.

Thank you all for your help so is there any clue on how much these watches sold for? And are these Railroad watches or just general use watches?