Masonic Pocket Watch Burlington Grade 106 19 Jewels 1915

Masonic Pocket Watch Burlington Grade 106

The Burlington Masonic Pocket Watch Grade 106, manufactured in 1915 by the Illinois Watch Co. in Springfield, Illinois, is an intriguing timepiece with several notable features. This working pocket watch showcases the Masonic symbol etched on its back cover, adding a touch of symbolism and intrigue to its design. Despite its age, the watch is in very good condition, with only light wear on the face and case. It functions properly, making it a remarkable vintage timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Markings on the Watch

The face of the Burlington Masonic Pocket Watch Grade 106 is marked with the brand name "Burlington" prominently displayed. Notably, the outer dial features red numbers every five seconds, allowing for precise timekeeping. Additionally, there is an inset seconds hand numbered every ten seconds, further enhancing its accuracy and usability.

Turning the watch over reveals a distinctive feature—the Masonic symbol etched on the back cover, accompanied by initials. This special engraving adds a sense of mystique and charm to the pocket watch, making it particularly appealing to those with an interest in Freemasonry or historical symbolism.

Markings on the Interior

Examining the interior of the watch, we find a few essential markings that provide valuable information about its construction and specifications. Inside the front cover, the serial number "3079677" is marked, likely indicating a unique identifier for this particular timepiece. The inside back cover bears the inscription "The Burlington Watch Co Guarantees This Case To Be Made Of Two Plates Of Solid Gold Over Composition and To Wear For 25 Years," suggesting the use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Details of the Movement

The movement of the Burlington Masonic Pocket Watch Grade 106 is marked with the name "Burlington Watch Co" and the location "Chicago." This movement possesses several noteworthy characteristics, including being a double roller mechanism—a feature that contributes to its durability and smooth operation. With 19 jewels, this timepiece incorporates an impressive level of precision and accuracy.

The watch movement is also adjusted to temperature and positions, indicating its careful calibration to maintain accurate timekeeping under varying conditions. Another notable element is the presence of a safety pinion, enhancing the watch's reliability and preventing damage in case of accidental overwinding.

Additional Information from Serial Number Search

Further research through a serial number search has provided additional insights into the Burlington Masonic Pocket Watch Grade 106. It appears that the Illinois Watch Co. produced this particular watch as part of their Grade 106 series. The Burlington Watch Co. served as a private label for this run, indicating that Illinois manufactured the watch on behalf of Burlington.

The estimated production year for this timepiece aligns with 1915, placing it within a specific historical context. The watch was one of 800 pieces produced in this particular run, contributing to its rarity and collectability. In total, the production of Grade 106 watches amounted to 13,200 pieces, underscoring its relative exclusivity.

With a size of 16s (16-size), this pocket watch showcases a nickel finish on its movement, adding to its visual appeal. The movement configuration is hunting style, referring to the placement of the seconds dial and crown position. The watch features a bridge plate, a false center bridge type, and a going barrel. Although not designated as a railroad-grade watch, it exhibits various elements of precision and quality.

The dial feet locations are marked at 13.5, 39.0, and 58.0, while the case screw locations are indicated at 18.0 and 53.0. The watch's case is described as "Various," suggesting that it may have been available in different case styles or materials, allowing for customization and personalization according to the owner's preferences.