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I ran across a pocket watch the other day that a lady was selling. It's from 1776, and it still runs. It's silver, though I don't know what percent.

I'm trying to figure out how to get a quote on the value. I can't find another one of it online and I haven't the faintest clue how to gauge it's worth. If anyone knows anything I'd appreciate it.

I don't have a whole lot of experience with these kinds of things. However, since it's from 1776, it's likely that the value of the watch will come more from collector/antique value than from silver content.

Do a little research and try to get an approximate value that similar items are going for & if you agree on a fair price then great. Otherwise, just forget it and move on.

Does it have a maker name? Watches from the 18th century are very rare...It wasn't til the 1800s that they became more common and standardized. I'd be skeptical of someone dating it unless you can get more info.

avidbrandy wrote:I ran across a pocket watch the other day that a lady was selling. It's from 1776, and it still runs. It's silver, though I don't know what percent.

I'm trying to figure out how to get a quote on the value. I can't find another one of it online and I haven't the faintest clue how to gauge it's worth. If anyone knows anything I'd appreciate it.

David, I'm not questioning your judgment, but I think that watch is probably more recent perhaps late 1800's, but dated 1776 to commemorate the events of that great year. For example:
http://www.bogoff.com/sold/pocket-watches/5518.html

Also wondering if there is any way that you can confirm if the watch has had its inner workings replaced since it was manufactured.

Mrs. shinnosuke is an artist where the buyers of any piece of expensive art are concerned about provenance. Does the lady who is selling the watch have anything besides an oral account of where the watch came from? If she is the least bit offended by you asking detailed questions, perhaps you should just move on down the road. This is just my skeptical self speaking. You may have, in fact, run across the best deal of the century.

By the way, you know that famous painting of the signers of the Declaration of Independence? None of those august gentlemen assembled in Philadelphia are shown with a watch in the painting. I wonder if there is a reason for that.

Hallmarks?

This is a fantastic English sterling silver pair-cased verge fusee in excellent running condition! The hallmarks date it to 1776

http://barrygoldberg.net/watch12.htm

I am pocket watch collector and the marks that Tractorman posted are correct for pocket watches of the time period.

Most pocket watches are from this time period are British cases and movements.

It should be a keywind and should be a Fusee Movement with a British or European Movement or works.

There should be NO seconds hand as well.

If its truly from 1776 than yes it worth a pretty penny- but Its likely no, they are extremely rare, worth ALOT more than its silver value.

Might also be 'Coin' 90% , .835, or 800 as well. May also not be silver at all but Nickel-Silver or equivalent

Show us a Picture of it......I'd like to see it...... And I know dad would love to see it.

I'll see if I can get a few pictures of it this weekend. I'm sure the lady won't mind.