Elgin Corsican

September 01, 2004, 19:37

John Arrowood

Elgin Corsican

What is the significance of the word "Corsican" engraved on the dust cover of this 12-size Elgin? Movement is marked Lord Elgin, 21 j, 8 adjustments, serial no. is 26519615. The inside of the back cover has been etched with an all-over design, may have gold jewel settings and center wheel.

September 01, 2004, 19:38

John Arrowood

Inside of back cover.

September 01, 2004, 19:40

John Arrowood

Here's the movement. Eight adjustments?

September 02, 2004, 00:14

Jerry Treiman

John, these are really nice watches. In the mid-twenties Elgin had various "series" of watches, as you can see on the 1925 Elgin catalog page at this link to Wayne's Elgin website.
http://elginwatches.org/scans/sales_catalogs/1925_Elgin_elegance_and_efficiency/m_page_02_03.html
The Corsican series had a fine 21-jewel Lord Elgin movement and a distinctive case. The Corsican name comes from an earlier version, as seen (and explained) in this 1921 advertisement. Napoleon was from Corsica.

September 02, 2004, 00:27

Lindell V. Riddle

Thanks to Jerry, we now know "The Corsican" was the model of watch. Excellent!

On the "8 Adjustments" thing, South-Bend used it on Studebaker mail-order watches beginning in 1923. Both Elgin and Hamilton used it later in the 1920s as well. It's usually taken to mean 5 positions, plus heat, cold and isocronism equalling "8 Adjustments" total. Elgin used the same designation on their post WWII "571" models. Then in the 1950s Elgin even tried "9 Adjustments" which was probably all six positions plus heat, cold and isocronism. Interestingly though, different ads for Elgin watches have shown differing formulas. An early version of "new math" no doubt.

After all, advertising people are very inventive.