Hi Folks

I can't find this model in Shugart. They were made in the 1920s. What grade is it?

In what sort of production numbers were they made?

Have you seen any come up for auction lately?









Gordon

Hi Gordon

I think yours is one of the many names that Illinois used that are not listed or some consider private label.

If I read your serial number right it should be a size 12 21J model 1 stem set open face grade 274. Made in 1925

Yours is a very nice looking example & nice photos too.

Tom

Hi Tom

You are quick off the mark.

Many thanks for the info.

Regards

Gordon

Gordon

In the Meggers Gold book, he listed a Illinois 16s also called the Paramount, it was a 17j made about 1922

Tom

Hi Tom

Thanks.

Very interesting.

Regards

Gordon

Great looking timepiece . I love Illinois....
Mike Keirsey

Gordon
There must be over 1,000 different private labels produced by Illinois. A few like Ariston,Ben Franklin,Interstate Chronometer command a premium.

Even in Meggars book some private labels are missing or a particular model such as yours is missing.

You could probably spend a lifetime trying to acquire one example of each private label.

The 21j 3/4 plate layout adj to 3 positions movement is seen fairly common .

Illinois made some very nice cases and dials and like your example can make for an interesting collection.

Bob

Hi Robert

Thanks for the info.

I thought Paramount may be a model name not a private label.

Gordon

Gordon, This is a Grade 274 movement, 58,600 made in 78 different production runs from 1911 through 1926. Your Paramount has the condition, signature and fine case qualities to make it a proud collector indeed.

Gordon
Most of the model names are numbers like 274. Only a few 12 size names exist-- Illini, Abe Lincoln and Autocrat.
Bob