I have a question about what hunter cases were used for an Elgin 114 and 135 grade movement? I have COA two movements from 1889 and 1899 and they are in great shape and running string and I wanted to get cases for them. They are lever set and the lever is at the 4.5 position. This seems to be different from standard cases as I have tried to put them in a standard case for a side winder but the cutout does not fit. Any suggestions would be great thank you, Larry
Posts: 91 | Location: Maryland in the USA | Registered: October 22, 2019
Larry those are both model 3's. Elgin 16s models 1-5 are actually more like 16.5 size, and take a slightly larger case.
I have a handfull of these watches. Great movements! The cases are not easy to find but they are out there. You may want to see one in hand before purchasing, buying one from a listing or pictures can be tricky.
Before the standard thinner size you see around the turn of the century, Elgin, Hampden, illinois and I'm sure others used this slightly larger size.
Look for the older ball crowns. The hunters will have stems held in by screws. Good luck in your search!
The ones I have are older Fahys, Keystone, Dueber, Brooklyn watch case co...
Posts: 90 | Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA | Registered: December 07, 2019
Keystone coin silver hunter case, and then one I did just like you, nice movement I cleaned and oiled and unscrupulously recased it as a sidewinder in a Philadelphia nickel case.
Posts: 90 | Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA | Registered: December 07, 2019
I also think that these earlier Models were a little thicker as well and will not fit in the slightly thinner cases made back in the day, as you can not tighten down the movement with the case screws
Posts: 2265 | Location: Gladstone in Australia | Registered: January 14, 2011
Larry I can take some pictures tomorrow and post them. You may not be interested but I will post. It is one of the nicest cases I have ever owned. I would take $125 for it and $5 shipping. I am not an elgin collector and don't know anything about the grade 114 but I am not sure it would be worth the price of the case. It is mint. Let me know before I take the pictures tomorrow if you are not interested and I will not bother with the pictures.
Thanks, Harry
Posts: 3858 | Location: Georgia in the USA | Registered: September 22, 2011
Thanks for that Harry, Larry does take a little time to get back mate noticing some of his other posts. So he might not frequent here regularly, he will probably need a little more time then most.
Posts: 2265 | Location: Gladstone in Australia | Registered: January 14, 2011
Here are the pictures. Being extremely picky it is dirty. The screw on the pendant looks to be another screw and there are some scratches on front and rear cover in the center that should polish out easily and some scratches where you open the dust cover. All very not noticable and I am being very picky. The covers open to 90 degrees. I don't see any wear or dents. Should look fantastic polished and it has a female winding stem which you probably already know.
Harry
Posts: 3858 | Location: Georgia in the USA | Registered: September 22, 2011