Antique 1897 Elgin 18s Pocket Watch Grade 111 Fahys Oresilver Case RUNS -1X For Sale

# Antique 1897 Elgin National Watch Co. (Illinois) 18s Pocket Watch – Grade 111 – Running Strong

Up for sale is an authentic antique American pocket watch manufactured by the **Elgin National Watch Co.** (Elgin, Illinois) around **1897–1898**. Featuring an 18-size movement housed in a sturdy base-metal Fahys Oresilver case, this piece is in **running condition** with its original blued steel hands intact.

---

### **Watch Specifications:**

* **Manufacturer:** Elgin National Watch Co. (Elgin, Illinois, USA)

* **Movement Serial Number:** 6956586

* **Year of Manufacture:** Circa 1897–1898

* **Size:** 18s

* **Jewel Count:** 7 Jewels

* **Grade:** Elgin Grade 111 (Open-Face Model 5; plate stamped "Elgin Ill.")

* **Setting Type:** Pendant Set

* **Case Maker & Type:** Fahys Oresilver (Patented Feb 19, 1884)

* **Case Serial:** 5096262

* **Dial:** Single-sunk white enamel with Roman numerals & sub-seconds register

---

### **Condition Details:**

* **Movement:** Clean movement plate with vibrant original gilding and sharp engraving ("Safety Pinion", "USA", "Elgin Ill."). **Currently running strong and ticking well.** (As with all vintage timepieces, routine service/oiling is recommended for daily timekeeping accuracy).

* **Hands:** Complete matching set of original **blued steel hands** present (hour, minute, and sub-seconds).

* **Dial:** Original white enamel dial displaying light patina, minor surface marks, and age-consistent hairlines.

* **Case:** Solid nickel-silver alloy Fahys Oresilver case exhibiting normal honest wear, light tarnish, and micro-scratches from age. Bezel and caseback threads fit securely.

*Please inspect all high-resolution photos carefully as they form part of the item description. Feel free to reach out with any questions prior to offerding or purchase!*

Shipped securely with tracking.*

Please check out my other vintage timepiece listings!*

I sell all of my watches as is. I do not offer a warranty. So, please offer and buy understanding my policy. You have 14 days after you receive your shipment in which you may return the item to me. Be sure to securely package the item before shipping back. I do not pay for or provide return shipping. After I receive your return, I will refund your purchase price. After 14 days, returns are not permitted.

When I say a watch is running or working, I am saying it is ticking as I type this listing. I make no claim as to how long nor how well this watch will continue to run. Please understand that before you offer.

Unlike a quartz watch, a mechanical timepiece doesn’t get its energy from a battery. Instead, the power that drives the hands around the dial, and also drives any additional complications like a date function, a moonphase or a chronograph, comes from the unwinding of a tightly coiled flat spring.

One of the beautiful things about a mechanical watch is that is requires interaction with its owner to function. That coiled mainspring will only provide power for a day or two (or sometimes shorter or longer) if you don’t keep it wound. A handwound watch is the purest form of the mechanical timepiece, which is part of its appeal.