I have a question about Illinois Ball 12 size cases all the advertising in Roy Ehrhardt's price indicators show that the Illinois Ball 19 jewel movements were cased in white gold filled cases, I bought one recently a Ball 12 size yellow gold filled case marked BALL MODEL Keystone watch case J. Boss 14 K. Gold Filled. 7772803. Were some of the 12 size Illinois Ball's cased in yellow gold filled cases?

Larry Buchan

Hello Lindell:

As far as I can tell the case is yellow gold filled, I would post a picture but seeing that I am in the hospital that's not possible at the moment, maybe when I get home. I am going to get my wife to bring my measuring gauge tonight to make sure this is a 12 size case. As far as the dial if it is the Howard Series #2 that I am looking for I won't be able to tell until the watch arrives. I will keep you posted.

Larry Buchan

Hello all you 12 size watch expert's out there. I finally got some photos taken of my Ball Illinois 12 size case. Please let me know what you think.

View of back of watch.

Here is a view of the inside of the case back. Just received some good news from my doctors. After spending 2 1/2 months in the hospital. I am finally going home this week.

Hello Lindell:

Now, I Do Not Have a movement for this pocket watch case, that was my main question, would it have been used for a Ball Illinois 12 size movement, as I said previously, all the advertisements that I have seen in Ehrhardt's books and Price guides. Show them in white gold filled cases, does anyone out there know if the Ball Illinois movements were placed in different cases?

Larry Buchan

Larry

The 17j 12 size Balls typically came in a yellow gold filled case. .One that I recently purchased came in a J Boss Extra case. The inside of the outer cover is identical to yours.The inside dust cover looks similar to Keystone Howard cases that have an engraved ring. On the ring is engraved Ball Watch Co. Cleveland.

I own several 19j 12 size Ball watches .All of the ones I have seen were in 14kt or 18kt white gold filled cases.

There is an ad that shows a 14kt solid green gold case and a 18kt solid gold white gold case but I have never actually seen one .

If you ever plan on selling the case I would happy to purchase it from you as my 17j watch is in a banged up case.

Bob

I am pretty certain that Larry's case is for the Illinois Ball, which is not a standard 12-size. This is the style case used for many of the first Illinois Ball watches. The Waltham Ball were in a much earlier style case. I don't believe the Waltham Ball (which is standard 12-size) would fit anyway.

Just got this 12s Ball, Ser. No. 400831. Don't know manufacturer. Case is identical to yours except back engraving. This Ball Model case has no extra screw markings and I would venture a guess that it is original. If you know who made the movement I would appreciate the info.
Also, If you would like more pics I can email them to you.

Don Evans IHC-1113
texasfolks@kingwoodcable.net

Ball 12s

Ball12s

Hello Don,

Your number B400831 fits perfectly as one of the Ball-Illinois 12-size watches which were numbered B400001 through B408000 during beginning with 1927 production.

These show up fairly regularly with various styles of painted and textured "Ball" marked dials including those with "Secometer" style seconds registers. According to Bill Meggers in his "Illinois Encyclopedia" there were also some with porcelain-enamel dials which is questionable on thin, late 1920s watches, so he may have been thinking of the earlier 12-size Ball Walthams.

Here is additional information...

"Find-Or-Search" for "Ball-Illinois 12-size"

And: Specifics on Ball-Illinois 12-size from "Illinois Encyclopedia" listings

Hope this helps,

Lindell

Lindell,

Thanks for the information. I will try to see if I can get the dial restored. I will post pictures
when done. It keeps absolutely fine time!

Don
Submarine Chief

Don
The serial number indicates that your watch was one of the earlier ones made.

12 size Illinois Balls are rarely seen in non Ball Model cases as most 12 size cases don't fit.

Bob

Robert,
Thanks for the info. I have really gone from no information to more than I hoped for. You guys are great. I love your Avatar. I had a Gruen Pentagon that was given in commeraton of the second Cotton Bowl.

Don Evans
Submarine Chief