Gold pocket watch????????

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First signal I dug at a old picnic ground today, This picnic ground was opened in 1920 and closed in 1957 and it is mostly a wooded area----25+ acres. Found a 194?-195? penny. I only hunted for maybe 1 hr today. I have the watch in olive oil hoping to be able to open it up. Can't wait to go again.------------after1----------

 

[still looking 52]

Really nice fine, sounds like you may have found a honey hole especially if no one has hunted that area before. We found an area just like what you are talking about in size and age a couple years ago and it turned out to be the best spot we ever found. I've got a feeling you just hit the tip of the ice berg.

 

[dfmike]

That's a super find. Any inscriptions on it ? Let us see the inside when you get it opened.

 

[After-1-]

Thanks ---There are engraved enisheals on the back-- After cleaning up the face I can see ( ELGIN ) Any ideas on how to open it up??? --------------after1-----------

 

[REVIER]

Thanks ---There are engraved enisheals on the back-- After cleaning up the face I can see ( ELGIN ) Any ideas on how to open it up??? --------------after1-----------

It might pry open if you can see some little indentations around the rim and I think I see a binge on the bottom, more often then not they unscrew.
The problem is if it is stuck you might not get it open without a hammer.
I found a gold watch once, also an Elgin, probably rolled gold but I couldn't get it open and I really want to to find the date on the mechanism and any date or karat marks on the inside of the back.
I tried freezing, heat, soaking in oil and still no success.
I even called a knowledgeable watch repair specialist and he said if I tried all that and it still won't open it probably never will without destroying it...and there is no way I am willing to do that.
It looks too good on display as the centerpiece.

It's now yours so do with it as you will but I would leave it be if you can because it looks great to me.

 

[still looking 52]

They make this little kit that you can buy at harbour freight for installing batteries in watches, it has a variety of specialty tools for different style s and shapes of watches. I've got this kit myself and it's not expensive, seems like I paid 15$ for it, this could work for you.

 

[always diggin 2]

Wow, how cool is that. Incredible find congrats!

 

[jim tn]

Pretty neat find. Elgin is a good watch. Hope you can get it open. HH jim tn

 

[screenprinter]

Have you tried pulling the top pin/knob?
Just a thought.....
Also, check youtube....never know. Might be something there to help

 

[After-1-]

The other day I went to a Jewelery store. He was able to open it up and the back broke off at the hinge,then he pried open the inner back plate.The inside workings are toasted. From the information I was able to read on the backs, The watch is gold filed and 14k. This was kind of a let down,but this is the first complete pocket watch I found and worth every penny of excitement. I was out there yesterday and picked up a 52 dime and 2--44 wheat's in the woods. I have permission to hunt 2 of the 8 houses so far.My plan is to hunt the wooded part before the weeds start growing and hit the yards in the summer.Next time out I'm going to put on my Sharpshooter coil,the coil that I have on now is the F75 DD.

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[After-1-]

Yes it is and nice to look at---------------after1---------