Scrap gold, vintage 14k pocket watch, and possible silver at garage sales.

[artslinger]

I scored this today at several garage sales. 10/14 scrap, Waltham pocket watch, and silver tray and saucer. Does anybody recognize the marks on the silver pieces?They are all marked 925, but I'm unsure if they are or not. Finally, any pocket watch collector that may provide me with an approximate age? I sincerely thank you for your time feedback and advice.

artslinger

 

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[2001]

Great finds!
Watch looks to be 1896. https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/7098816
Can't quite tell about the silver marks

 

[Blackfoot58]

Use the internet. Search American Waltham Watch Company. You’ll get plenty of info. Dad’s not going to do your homework tonight! 😂 Just kidding! Nice watch.

 

[Red-Coat]

Nice watch. The info from the link provided by @2001 tells you everything you need to know about the movement which is gilt finish (ie gold plated).

‘Mascot’ cases were made by the Essex Watch Case Co. Although the case is marked 14K, I don’t think it will be solid gold. Mascot cases are usually ‘gold fill’ (rolled gold) with a Karat mark referring to either a 14K or 22K plate.


Could we have better pictures of the silver marks please?

 

[artslinger]

Great finds!
Watch looks to be 1896. https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/waltham/7098816
Can't quite tell about the silver marks

Thank you very much for the link that led to all of that information. I sincerely appreciate it. Incredible that everything was archived. Once again I truly appreciate it.

artslinger.

 

[artslinger]

Nice watch. The info from the link provided by @2001 tells you everything you need to know about the movement which is gilt finish (ie gold plated).

‘Mascot’ cases were made by the Essex Watch Case Co. Although the case is marked 14K, I don’t think it will be solid gold. Mascot cases are usually ‘gold fill’ (rolled gold) with a Karat mark referring to either a 14K or 22K plate.


Could we have better pictures of the silver marks please?

What? Plated? Unreal. Why would they stamp something as gold when they knew it was not? And, you are absolutely right. I just acid tested it, and sure enough, the acid ate it right away. I only paid $5. It came in a junk watch bag with a collectible Bulova Accutron Spaceview from 1975 that I discovered earlier in the bag. Thanks again for the details. I appreciate your time and help. Please see pics. The marks are too tiny and my phone is not a super phone. One of the marks is what appears to be a Spartan or Roman soldier and the numbers 925 next to it. The other mark is a combination of letters and numbers, but too hard to read. I actually acid tested the "silver" with 18kt gold acid, and gave off that silver known color when acid tested. If it is real silver that's great as I paid $5 for that too. Total weight is 500 grams. Thanks.

artslinger

 

[Red-Coat]

What? Plated? Unreal. Why would they stamp something as gold when they knew it was not? And, you are absolutely right. I just acid tested it, and sure enough, the acid ate it right away.

Bummer isn't it? And whoever bought it from new at the time might have been equally aggrieved. Those were cynical times, precious metal marking was poorly legislated, and misleading marks were rife. Even terms like "solid gold" didn't mean what most purchasers thought they meant. Things didn't really change in America until the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906 when many of these misleading practices were outlawed and the requirements for marking of plated goods were more rigorously legislated.

 

[Marvin Lee]

I scored this today at several garage sales. 10/14 scrap, Waltham pocket watch, and silver tray and saucer. Does anybody recognize the marks on the silver pieces?They are all marked 925, but I'm unsure if they are or not. Finally, any pocket watch collector that may provide me with an approximate age? I sincerely thank you for your time feedback and advice.

artslinger

Nice finds

 

[artslinger]

Bummer isn't it? And whoever bought it from new at the time might have been equally aggrieved. Those were cynical times, precious metal marking was poorly legislated, and misleading marks were rife. Even terms like "solid gold" didn't mean what most purchasers thought they meant. Things didn't really change in America until the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906 when many of these misleading practices were outlawed and the requirements for marking of plated goods were more rigorously legislated.

Greatly appreciate the information. Another valuable lesson learned. Thank you!

artslinger