Offered here is a beautiful and heavy 6oz Coin Silver coin silver hunter case pocket watch manufactured by The Illinois Watch Company.  It is in excellent condition overall with an early 4 digit serial number that appears to be an original from the factory piece.

The massive Coin Silver hunter case features an uninitialed shield centering the front cover.  The back cover is engraved with the original owners name in cursive along with a date of 1873.  The cover taper to a double ring along the edges.  The center ring or frame of the case display four rows of beading which gives the case an attractive and masculine appearance.  The front cover opens very sharply with a strong lid spring and stops and approximately 93 degrees.  The back and dust covers open to just shy of 90 degrees.  All of the covers are set in nice gold, offset hinges that are working properly.  There is only the faintest amount of wiggle in the front cover hinge but it is still very strong and solid.  All of the covers snap shut tight leaving no significant gaps.  The bow is very tight.  The case is marked "Warranted Coin Silver - 7333"   The case shows very minor wear.  The polished surfaces are bright and reflective.  The monogram has remained bold.

The front cover opens to reveal a single sunk, white porcelain dial with black Roman hour chapters.  The dial is signed "Illinois Springfield Watch Co.".  I can't find any hairlines anywhere on the dial and only one small edge chip at 12 o'clock which is hidden by the bezel.  The dial is very clean and crisp white.  Blue spade pointers center the dial and it is protected by a glass crystal that is set in a hinged bezel which opens to allow the time to be set on the dial side.  The bezel opens and closes properly.

The 9 jewel, gilt, Hoyt Model, full plate, key wind movement is signed "Hoyt - Springfield, Ill - Patent Pinion".  This is a very early Illinois movement with a four digit serial number of 9217 which dates this piece back to 1873 matching the engraved date on the back cover of the case.  There were a total of 14,400 of this movement made by Illinois.  The movement shows minor tarnish from age and a few light service scratches buy faces up nicely.  A deeply engraved balance cock adds to its eye appeal.  The movement winds and sets fine and is running strong and keeping good time.  A winding/time setting key will be included with the watch.

Overall the watch measures 60mm (2 3/8") wide X 92mm (3 9/16") from the top of the bow to the base of the case X 22mm (13/16") thick.  The overall weight of the watch is a substantial 212.7 grams (7.5OZ).  The watch has a bold, hefty feel in hand with excellent eye appeal.

This watch is a great, original example of an early Illinois key wind.  I am starting this listing with a reasonable "Buy-It-Now" price should you choose to end the auction immediately and eliminate any competition.  I will also gladly consider any offer that you may wish to make.  Please feel free to ask any questions and thanks for looking!