Pocket watch - what can you tell me?

[Stu55555]

This has been in my family for many generations.  What can you tell me about it?

[railman44]

An in focus picture of the back with the rear cap removed showing the movement is necessary.  Number of jewels, etc. plus condition of the movement is necessary in determining the value.  It's also necessary to determine if the case is gold filled or solid gold.  Your Elgin probably dates in the 1920's.  Cooksey & Schugart (sp?)produce an annual volume of watch values.  This book would clearly tell you much of what you ask.  I'm sure retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble has a current copy for you to brouse. 

[KC]

Yes, like railman44 said, you have to include a pic of the back with the rear cap removed.  Some are hard to get off and you don't want to scar the watch if you don't have proper size tools.  If you are not able to do this, hopefully you have a trusted jeweler that you can go to that will happily remove it for you at no cost.  If they are a seasoned jeweler they may be able to help with some answers, otherwise, let you take pics and reattach.

The book idea is also a wonderful way to go if you don't feel comfortable removing the back and don't know a trusted jeweler.