Open the cases rear cover and look for the markings 10k, 14k, or 18k. This should be easy to see, as it will be impressed into the inside back cover. If one of those markings is visible, then your pocket watch is gold.
If instead you see something such as Guaranteed 10 Years or Guaranteed 20 Years, then your pocket watch is not gold, but rather gold plate. The guarantee does not guarantee that the watch will work for 10 or 20 years. Rather it means that the gold plate will not wear off within 10 or 20 years.
If you do not see a specific gold marking or do not see the gold plate guarantee, its still possible that your pocket watch is gold. A reputable jeweler or gold store could test it. The gold acid test takes less than one minute, is usually free, but will most likely leave a blemish on the watch.
Whats it worth? Even if in non-working condition, gold watches can have considerable value, depending upon the gold weight, specific karat, current gold spot price, and the dealers spot price discount. However, beware that gold scrappers will only pay for the gold content and not for the watch movement and non-gold parts. So if you allow the dealer to take the watch apart to weigh the gold, and if you are not happy with the cash offer, you should understand that what youll get back are the loose parts and not a complete watch.
Mike Ivankovich is an auctioneer, appraiser, home downsizing expert, and host of the 'What's It Worth? Ask Mike the Appraiser' radio show that airs live on Friday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. on WBCB 1490 AM in the greater Philadelphia area. It is available on the internet at www.WBCB1490.com. His show also airs in Denver, Co., on KEZW Cruisin 1430 AM on Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. MST and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon MST and on the internet at www.Cruisin1430.com.
To learn more, visit www.AskMikeTheAppraiser.com.
Dueber Hampden Serial Numbers
The Dueber Watch Company grade was made in both 16 and 18 size, in 15 jewel, 17 jewel and 21 jewel models. The company placed ads listing them as passing inspection on all roads, which leads one to think that perhaps the watch in question wasn't acceptable to some of the railroads.
Dueber Special Pocket Watch
Note that we're using the serial number from the watch movement, not from the watch case. Looking at the table of Waltham serial numbers (see example below), you can see that number 20,900,000 was made in 1917 and 21,800,000 was made in 1918 (marked in red in the table below). Pocket Watch Serial Number Lookup - Hamilton, South Bend, Illinois, Rockford, Waltham & Elgin Pocket Watches Serial Number. The Dueber Watch Case Company was an important employer in Canton, Ohio during the late 1800s and the early 1900s.