Offered here is a scarce early-production Illinois Watch Co. “Interior” grade pocket watch, manufactured in Springfield, Illinois in 1876. This example carries a low serial number (70889), placing it among the earliest Illinois watches produced in the 19th century.

The gilt full-plate movement has 7 jewels, key-wind and key-set operation, blued steel hands, and a white enamel dial with sunk seconds subdial. The movement is marked “Interior – Springfield, Ill.” and is running.

It is housed in a heavy 4-ounce coin silver hunter case, stamped “Warranted Coin Silver – B23.” The case features fine floral engraving with plain shields, and retains excellent presence for its nearly 150-year age.

Maker: Illinois Watch Co., Springfield, Illinois

Grade: Interior, Model 1

Serial Number: 70889 (low early serial)

Year: 1876

Size: 18s

Jewels: 7j

Setting/Wind: Key wind & key set (key can be included)

Movement: Gilt full plate, plain regulator

Case: Heavy 4 oz coin silver hunter case, marked B23

Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, sunk seconds subdial

Hands: Blued steel spade and whip

Condition: Running, with light wear and dial hairlines consistent with age

Rarity: Scarce early-production Illinois; low serial and heavy hunter case add collector appeal