This was one of those purchases you make when you won something else and you just want to get another item to help defray the postage cost. The seller had about 50 items all ending within 2 mins so there wasn't a lot of time to think about it. I bought this for the case without actually knowing what it was. Now that I have it in hand I think it is a private label Elgin.

The Dial is marked T.L.Tanke (I think, could be J instead of T) The movement has the same and under that Buffalo NY. The serial number is 6589102 which the Elgine database tells me is Grade 159 and one of a batch of 1000. Has anyone heard of this person?

When I got it I thought it was dead but it turned out the last bloke had oiled it with diff oil and everything was gummed up. A good clean and off it went again. During the cleaning I noticed the serial number on the dial side and under the balance cock had an extra symbol in front of it. Is there some meaning to this?

Here is the case. I wanted to use this for the Illinois but now I will leave it with its origional movement. Now other screw marks so I think these belong together. The screws have cut in a bit. Is there something I can do about that?
I did see something about case washers somewhere. Is there such a thing?

Final question. Inside the case are the usual marks and a serial number but under the number is 2 initials. N.E. I have not noticed such a thing on other cases. Is this a private order case or something to do with the private marked watch perhaps? Any other thoughts what N.E. might mean?

Found a referance to T.C.Tanke as a Jewellers in main st Buffalo that burnt down on Dec 14 1893. This might be the same people so they may have re established themselves after the fire. Looks close to me.