This case is marked "Warranted U.S. Assay" with "B.W.C. Co." in a dogbone-shaped shield. Anyone know the karat content? I have had lower karat cases that had a more reddish or rose colored tone, but this one looks more like 14K????

Thank you for your input,

Barry

Early on before there were "standards" for case-makers, BWCCo used the passant "Lion" as their "own" symbol on 14K cases for watch movements long before US Assay stampings were required on cases, today these early marked cases are few and far between and are only seen on the 1870 and 1880 period watches, which means they are getting really scarce.

BWCCo. also made gold filled cases, silver cases [at first], 14K cases and 8Kt cases. Their famous "Eagle" cases were solid 8Kt. and by 1887 they were registering it with the Government as such. Another grade of their cases was a harvested "sheaf or bundle of wheat" symbol which denoted 14K on the outside and 8Kt on the inside. Then there was their brand "Granger" with just the words "GRANGER" or along with a standing stag or bust of a deer above the words. The Granger line was the same quality as their "Wheat" case being 14Kt outside and 8Kt inside.

This one is 8kt. according to their own markings of the "eagle" cases with no mention of karat gold, as I understand it, with much research and time afield.

regards,
bb

Thanks, Buster for your response. This watch is now on the "save it from the scrapper" section.

Barry

Buster is spot on, this is 8K Geno

Thanks Geno !! I do and always have, recognized you as the final word on gold cases as well as many other topics !!

Thanks for your expertise and follow up !!

regards,
bb