Best Estate Services
Timed Auction

Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones

Sat, Nov 8, 2025 06:00PM EST - Sun, Nov 23, 2025 03:00PM EST
  2025-11-08 18:00:00 2025-11-23 15:00:00 America/New_York Best Estate Services Best Estate Services : Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones https://auction.bestestateservices.com/auctions/best-estate-services/pocket-watches-jewelry-jewelry-grade-gemstones-20983
$1.00 Starting Bids NO RESERVES! Opens Nov 8, staggered lot closing Nov 23. An exclusive auction of men’s vintage pocket watches, fine jewelry, and jewelry-grade gemstones. Featuring gold and silver timepieces from Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and more, plus 14K–18K gold rings, chains, and collectible opals, emeralds, and quartz from around the world. No reserves — all bids start at just $1! Opens Nov 8, closes Nov 23.
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Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot
Lot 1022

Elgin pocket watch – 10K gold-filled hunter case – engraved 1905 dedication – includes vintage photograph inside cover.

Estimate: $10 - $1,000
Starting Bid
$1

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $1
$20 $5
$500 $10
$1,000 $25
$5,000 $50
$10,000 $100
$15,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
$500,000 $10,000

Elgin pocket watch – 10K gold-filled hunter case – engraved 1905 dedication – includes vintage photograph inside cover.


Description:

A sentimental and finely preserved Elgin National Watch Company pocket watch, dating to the early 20th century, presented in a 10K gold-filled hunter case with an engraved dedication and an enclosed photographic portrait — a beautiful fusion of mechanical artistry and personal history.

The case is ornately engraved on both sides, featuring an intricate scroll and floral motif with a cartouche monogram on the front cover. Inside the rear lid is an inscription reading:

“W.T. to A.H. – Dec. 25, 1905.”

This personalized engraving indicates the watch was given as a Christmas gift in 1905, marking it as a treasured heirloom piece. The opposite cover, when opened, reveals a sepia-toned photograph of a woman, preserved behind the dust cover — a touching personal memento that adds character and historical depth.

The dial is signed “Elgin” and features bold Arabic numerals, a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and blued-steel spade hands. The white enamel remains bright and legible, showing minor wear consistent with age. The crystal is clear, and the case retains a pleasing warm gold tone with soft patination.

The movement, numbered 471742, corresponds to an Elgin 7-jewel manual-wind movement, dating to approximately 1881–1882, but was likely housed in this later case around the early 1900s when given as a gift. It features the reliable three-quarter plate design typical of Elgin’s early production, with fine damaskeening on the plates and a lever escapement.

Value and Sale Information:

This Elgin 10K gold-filled hunter pocket watch holds dual appeal — as both a collectible American timepiece and a heartfelt piece of turn-of-the-century memorabilia. The engraved dedication and photographic inclusion elevate it beyond its horological value, giving it unique provenance and emotional resonance.

Comparable early Elgin gold-filled watches typically sell for $175–$275, with examples featuring engraved dedications or family photographs commanding a premium.

This particular piece, owing to its engraving, original photo, and strong aesthetic condition, is estimated at $250–$350.


Offered for sale as-is.

An elegant and personal Elgin 10K gold-filled pocket watch, beautifully engraved and still housing its original portrait photograph — a rare survivor that perfectly captures the sentimentality and craftsmanship of early 20th-century America.

Condition: Very good overall; dial clean with light age marks, case shows moderate wear and patina; engraving clear; photograph well-preserved; movement not tested for functionality.

Offered for sale as-is.

An elegant and personal Elgin 10K gold-filled pocket watch, beautifully engraved and still housing its original portrait photograph — a rare survivor that perfectly captures the sentimentality and craftsmanship of early 20th-century America.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

Timed Auction Terms & Conditions No Reserve ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS. This auction is not an approval sale, and all sales are final. No returns will be accepted under any circumstances. 1. Conditions of Sale This is a public sale conducted by Best Estate Services, Inc. (“the Auctioneer”). Best Estate Services, Inc. acts solely as an agent for the items being sold. By bidding on any item, the purchaser agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Sale and any other terms announced or published 2. As-Is Condition All items (hereinafter referred to as “item(s), lot(s), article(s), property,” etc.) are sold AS IS, without any guarantee or warranty, express or implied. Best Estate Services, Inc., its agents, employees, and/or consignors make no representations or warranties regarding the correctness of the catalog, description, authenticity, condition, size, quality, rarity, provenance, or historical relevance of any property. No statement, whether oral or written, shall be deemed a guarantee unless expressly stated in writing. 3. Item Inspection All prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect the items prior to bidding. If an in-person inspection is not possible, bidders are responsible for requesting condition reports and/or additional photographs before bidding. Descriptions and reports are provided in good faith, but all items are antique or vintage and may show signs of age or wear. 4. Last-Minute Bidding Due to internet latency or device factors, last-second bids may not register correctly. To avoid errors, bidders are encouraged to refresh their browser frequently near the close of bidding. Final auction results will stand as recorded in our system. To prevent last-second issues, bidders are encouraged to use the “Max Bid” feature. 5. Buyer’s Fees A Buyer’s Premium will be added to all winning bids to determine the final purchase price. Internet Premium: 23% Credit Card Processing Fee: 3% 6. Payment Terms Currency: USD Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover — American Express not accepted) Cashier’s Check Wire Transfer Cash will not be accepted at any local pick-up location. All invoices must be paid online or via approved non-cash methods prior to pick-up. For purchases under $1,500, payment may be made by credit/debit card, cashier’s check, or wire transfer. For purchases over $1,500, payment must be made by cashier’s check (with a bank letter of reference) or wire transfer. Checks should be made payable to: BEST ESTATE SERVICES INC. To coordinate wire transfers, call (262) 799-5167. ⚠️ Please Note: BIDSQUARE only collects credit card information for bidder verification. Invoices: Invoices including shipping and handling charges will be sent Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. All invoices must be paid immediately upon receipt. 7. Shipping & Pick-Up Information General Policy: Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s). If you are the successful bidder, you may either: Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period. For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at: 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167 8. Shipping Details All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed. Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required. 9. Local Pick-Up All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Important Pick-Up Rules: No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival. If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization. Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window. Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed. 10. Storage Fees All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close. Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value. Thank You Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again. 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167

Shipping

Shipping & Pick-Up Information

General Policy:

Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s).

If you are the successful bidder, you may either:

Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period.

For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 hello@bestestateservices.com

📞 (262) 799-5167

8. Shipping Details

All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed.

Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required.

9. Local Pick-Up

All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Important Pick-Up Rules:

No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival.
If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization.
Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window.
Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed.

10. Storage Fees

All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close.
Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value.

Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.

📧 hello@bestestateservices.com
 

📞 (262) 799-5167

Details:

  • Maker: Elgin National Watch Co., Elgin, Illinois, USA

  • Movement Serial Number: 471742

  • Movement Type: Manual-wind, lever escapement

  • Jewels: 7

  • Dial: White enamel with black Arabic numerals

  • Hands: Blued-steel spade style

  • Subdial: Seconds at 6 o’clock

  • Case: 10K gold-filled, hunter-style with detailed engraving

  • Case Features: Personalized inscription and internal photograph compartment

  • Inscription: “W.T. to A.H. – Dec. 25, 1905”

  • Era: Movement circa 1881–82; case and presentation circa 1905

  • Diameter: Approx. 35 mm

  • Condition: Very good overall; dial clean with light age marks, case shows moderate wear and patina; engraving clear; photograph well-preserved; movement not tested for functionality.