Can anyone tell me what the deal is with this private label Illinois. It is a 16s from the early 20th century, yet the serial number comes back as being a 6s, lever-set, model 1 from 1887! On top of that, when looking at the movements in Shugart's, I can't find a one that has the case screws in these locations. What gives?????

Here is the movement.

Here is a close-up of the serial number.

Looks like a Rockford movement to me..That might be the problem...LOL

Bruce, that to me looks more like a Rockford.If that were an Illinois, the SN would be much higher.Rockford, like Illinois made a whole slew of private labels.Nice looking watch! Best regards, Ted.

I have to agree with Gary I think it is a PL Rockford

Looks like Gary and I were typing at the same time!Sorry about that...Ted.

16sz. Model 2 15 jewel Grade 586 Rockford

Thanks guys! I knew there had to be someone out there a lot brighter than me. When I first saw it I thought Model 7 Illinois, but I guess the Rockford plates are really quite similar. Thanks again

quote:

Looks like Gary and I were typing at the same time!Sorry about that...Ted.

I think all three of us were LOL

Hey Bruce, so you are the one that outbid me on this!
Nice looking movement!

This is the down side of movement-marked PL's, no explicit maker ID. But like Ted said, the low movement number (746080) is too low for a 16S 3/4 plate Illinois, and like Rob and Gary thought, it looks like Rockford to me too. The dial has too many curves and flourishes in the numerals and the damascening pattern is too jazzy for an Illinois IMHO. Congrats Bruce, cool watch!

Hey Ed K.-- can't let someone outbid me on a hometown watch Did you happen to see the "E.P. Miller, Albany" watch I posted yesterday on the Wrist Watch Forum? That is the first PL Albany wrist watch I have come across. As a boy, I lived on North Pearl Street (back in the 1950's). My mom and I lived in an apartment over the Dixie Hat Shop across from the Strand Theatre. The marque from the theatre used to keep me awake at night flashing on and off. A lot of these old Albany jewelers were on Pearl Street, but 50 years before I got there

I did see the Miller but was not interested in it. I have a Wm Kennedy, Albany , NY.
I have stayed within a 75 mile radius of LF. Albany and Syracuse are just about 75 miles for me.
I like collecting local PL's, they are interesting marked watches. Some of my closer one's I have looked up information on the jewelers.
I hope we are not a competitors for these PL's.

Ed, I don't venture outside of old Albany jewelers for private labels. You may be competing with me, but I'm not competing with you. Rest at ease ole buddy