Pocket watch cases

[Dennis Harbour]

How can I tell gold pocket watch cases from brass? I have a couple with filigree etching and serial numbers on them, but has no indication of metal stamp

 

[taz42o]

1. send them to me and i will let you know.
2. take them to a jeweler.
3. buy a gold tester.
4. research the maker and serial # online.
5.open the cases and look for markings.
6. post a pic ,name of maker and serial #. me and others here can likely tell you by seeing them.

 

[407floyd]

Did you dig them up while detecting or are they an above ground find. It makes a difference.

 

[john sullivan]

if they are gold the maker would be proud to stamp the karat no stamp no gold. most were plated 10 microns 14 k gold

 

[Dennis Harbour]

Did you dig them up while detecting or are they an above ground find. It makes a difference.[/q
No, didn't find them, family passdowns

 

[JamesBondaka]

All the above info is true and a good rule to go by BUT.....not in all cases. To be totally sure...you have to drill or cut into the case and then apply acid. That is the true for sure test. Sometimes, there has been fakes etc. I know of long time very knowledgeable dealer that thought he knew all the marks etc....needless to say....he bought several gold plated, rolled gold or layed type of watches that were NOT 14kt as he thought. A costly mistake for him!