I recently picked up a second Illinois Grade 410 with an unusual case. I didn't realize that it was only two serial numbers from a similar one that I had purchased last fall. These are fairly high grade 23 jewel hunting style movements with crosshatch damaskeening. The cases are neat also.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures.

John III

The bows and crowns are slightly different, but the rest of the cases are essentially identical. I guess they would be fraternal twins...

The crown on the right has a round blue ball embedded in the top of it. First time I have seen this.

The cases are both marked:

STAR W. C. Co
14KT. GOLD FILLED
MWCo (stylish inside of a pocket watch design)
MANHEIMER
PAT. PEND.



Case serial numbers are 8895812 and 8896566.

Closeup of case markings

The 1923 dated Model 6 movements are marked:

ILLINOIS WATCH CO (before the Hamilton takeover)
SPRINGFIELD
ADJUSTED 6 POSITIONS
23 JEWELS
DOUBLE ROLLER
MOTOR BARREL

The serial numbers are 4477412 and 4477414. Anyone have 4477413?

Closeup of the beautiful movement. This design is basically the 12s version of the Model 9 Sangamo Special.

Closeup of serial numbers (stitched photo)

This is the first time I have found two watches that were close in serial number.

Very nice John.
Thanks for posting. Now all you need is 413.
Brian C.

Intersting watches. Thanks for sharing. I have a curious questiom. Since the movements are only 2 digets away, how close are the serials numbers of the cases?

John F.
Wow, very nice indeed! Thanks for sharing with us. Great find, both times around!

Ernie, you bring up a good question. John showed both case numbers and it appears the number sequence is a little off, by 754.

John
I suspect the bow on the right hand watch might be a replacement.

The Paragon gold filled cased watches came in 23j,21j and 17j. Most movements were Illinois. My impression is that the 23j were grade 410 hunters,the 21j were Abe Lincolin Hunters and there susposedly were 17j versions (which I havent seen).

While most cases were 14kt White gold filled a green gold variety was reported by Bob Arnold.

Bob

Bob,

I think you are right about the bow on the right hand watch.

Do you know if these watches were factory-cased or sold to jewelers uncased?

Also, what do you mean by Paragon cases? These have Mannheimer markings on them.

John

John
The watch model was called Paragon. The ad that I saw suggests they were cased that way.

I suspect Illinois couldn't sell the Hunter versions and had a special case and dial made to make them look like an open face watch.

Bob