I picked up this beat up key wind/key set 1882 Elgin yesterday for a reasonable price and decided to take a crack at it. The case isn't too great and even though it is coin silver, I may see if I have another case for it. One reason to leave it in this case is because it is a hunter movement. The watch was not running and it seemed there was a problem with the mainspring.

Anyway, here are some before pics.







After taking it apart and cleaning it I can see the mainspring just fell off it's arbor (see pic). That was a relief...

After putting it all back together it runs great and the case doesn't look too bad, but I still may recase it.









I really love bringing these oldies back to life! I also fixed an anniversary clock a friend gave me that really came out nice... maybe I shoot a pic of that later.

Cheers,
Ron

You got lucky and obviously have a very nice Elgin to add to your collection. Here's a question. You said the case is coin silver. Does that mean that it's 90 % silver and NOT silver plated? If so, is it possible to have an engraver follow the original lines and re-engrave the case? Seems to me that a good polishing after re-engraving ought to restore that case to close to it's original appearance. Or, am I way off base with this suggestion?

Dorsey H.

Dorsey, I always thought coin silver was the same as sterling silver and that the silver was obtained by melting down silver coins. I'm sure someone here can educate us. This case is pretty beat up, and I don't think that it would survive engraving. lol

Seriously, the front cover has a makeshift release and the spring seems to be missing. You can pry the top up with your fingers but the lid doesn't spring open. I have two Waltham's like this (silver hunter cases) but they are both in better condition, and the watch movement has 15 jewels as opposed to 7. I paid $45 for this one.. not too bad. The one Waltham I have I paid $150 for at a NAWCC show.

I just checked and this makes a total of three hunter case KW/KS watches and three open face ones... how did I get so many watches!!!

Ron

Here's some info I found on the web:


What is Coin Silver?

Coin silver refers to silverware produced in America from early colonial times to just after the Civil War. Items of coin silver produced during this time period are over ninety percent pure silver and were made from European silver coins. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between coin silver and silver plate. Coin silver was usually stamped with the first initial and last name of the silversmith. Occasionally, the silversmith also stamped the city and state on the pieces, as well. For example, on the back of a large serving spoon the stamp might read: "P.REVERE BOSTON, MA" inside a large rectangular punch. Often, it is necessary to consult one of several books available on the subject to determine whether hallmarks are indicative of coin silver items.


technoguy

I say keep it in the original case and try to fix the hunter case. The wear has a lot
of character.

On the other hand pocket watch movements were switched out with cases as a matter of course in the retailing of that era. Just how authentic do you want it to be?

If you are completely indecisive and frustrated just drop it off at my house. I can guarantee
it will fill a slot in my Sunday rotation!

many watches are switched out. No way of telling if this is the original case anyway.

Beautiful 1882 Elgin, Ron!!

I'd leave it in that case just for historical reasons but thats just me. Also the hour hand is not original but I have seen early Elgin hand sets available on the bay.

I also worked on a pocket over the holiday. It's a member of the Timex family tree. This 1887 Robt Ingersoll transitional watch. Transitional since it is stem wind but still back set. It just needed cleaning and oiling.

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Bill D

How do you always manage to get those old watches with such nice dials?! Ron

That gem looks amazing as is. Has a real sense of history to it.

--Charlie
http://cwcale.com/

Nice job!