I have a Columbia grade 18s Illinois KWKS 11j watch. I can't find any info on the web, I can't find any info doing a search here and it is not in the Illinois book. There are two Generals in the Illinois book but I don't think this is either one of those. SN 187513

dial

A search turned this
Grade: Columbia
Private Label(s) in Run: Iowa Watch Company, Independent Watch Co. Fredonia, N.Y.
Manufacturer: Illinois
Manufacturer Location: Springfield, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 187513
Grade: Columbia
Model: 1
Estimated Production Year: 1881
Run Quantity: 2,000
Total Production: 38,013
Size: 18s
Jewels: 11j
Movement Configuration: Either
Movement Finish: Gilt
Movement Setting: Key
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Train: Coarse
Railroad Grade: No
Dial Feet Locations: 16.5, 36.5, 53.0
Case Screw Locations: O-36.5, H-51.5

Mel

Hi Mel,

Thank you very much for the info. That is all I could find out also. I am assuming it is a private label but I was hoping for some more information as to who it was made for etc... The other two listing for General Grant and The General and even General Reno are in the Illinois book but nothing on "General". Maybe this could be "The General" listed in the book with "The" removed?

Thanks again Mel,
Harry

Hello Harry,

Had a talk to Dad about these, he said that they were a private label in his opinion. He has a few here in Nickel 103 Grade 5th Pinion 17 Jewel watches. Serial numbers up in the 3xx,xxx, so they were not just in the lower grades

Erin

Thank you Erin and be sure to thank Bila for me also. That is interesting to learn that they were also in the higher grades also.

Thanks again Erin,
Harry