I am currently conducting research on the tokens issued with movements sold by the Elgin National Watch Company in the late 1870s. These tokens were announced in the 1875 Elgin Almanac, urging customers to only purchase Elgin watch movements accompanied with "The Elgin Medal." The reverse features the grade and unique serial number matching the movement. These tokens fall within the Rulau IL-El-6 classification (my research does cover not the similar tokens from the Chicago Expositions). I have already compiled observations from images available online and would now like to make a request for examples that might be in private collections. Please post an clear image of the back, if possible. Otherwise, the grade name and serial number would be appreciated.
I believe there are at least 3 major varieties of that Elgin Watch Co. medal - Rulau #s ending in 6, 9, and 10: https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide/united-states/trade-tokens-rulau/176/?des=ms Here's a pic of one from online in mint state, which you may have already seen: As an aside, here's the Elgin half dollar, a legal tender currency minted by the US Mint at Philadelphia! As home to a major international watch company, the City of Elgin surely has had its share of national notoriety, prominent enough to lobby for its own commemorative half dollar. Pic from the 'net:
This one has seen some service: Elgin National Watch Father Time Token White metal, 30mm, 9.44gm Obverse: Father Time carrying timepiece THE ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH COMPANY OF ELGIN ILLS INCORPORATED 1865 Reverse: ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO THIS CERTIFIES THAT / LEVER MOVEMENT NO. 860200 NAMED / ELGIN NAT WATCH Co WAS MANUFACTURED BY US / OF THE BEST MATERIALS AND IS / WARRANTED / A GOOD / TIME-KEEPER
Brian - Thanks for your contribution. Could you confirm the serial number begins with "860"? If that is accurate, that would be the highest number I have recorded. Thanks!
I wonder how many people saw this token and assumed that the figure was the Devil. I looked at the token with a magnifier before I posted and the number is correct.
Thanks for the confirmation. Elgin used the Father Time figure in most of their promotional materials during this era. You will notice that he has dropped his hour glass in favor of an Elgin watch.
This one just sold on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Elgin-Illin...627947?hash=item33cd798f6b:g:68oAAOSw7GRZAkb3
Here's one available on eBay now if you're interested: http://www.ebay.com/itm/292125889724 Serial #: 315155
Does anyone have an example of the Elgin Medal marked with the "B.W. Raymond" grade? I have yet to record a single observation yet. Thanks!
Time Antiquarian, I have a NEW Elgin listing 1873 Token Rulau IL-EI 8 White Metal Elgin National Watch Co. (Regular Strike) Just had it slabbed via PCGS. It's in MS-62. Dave Personal information removed. Use PM 'conversations' for member to member conversation.