Is this gold or plated? Pocket watch

[Beachkid23]

I hope I don't get too excited and screw myself. I just bought his pocket watch for $150. It's marked 14 K. It was in a box sitting inside of a barn. So it's not the prettiest condition. It seems like it's gold however the loop at the top is it gold filled. Where the chain connects. I am out of town and don't have a test kit. I wanted to get a second opinion. It's a Seth Thomas pocket watch.

There were 4 more but it looked like they sat in water for probably 10 years so , they were pretty toasty. They were definitely plated, falling apart and in very bad condition. This one was in a bag but still broken. Thank you for your help!

 

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[JimDon]

I would say it is 14kt. It is not unusual for gold stored with other items that have corroded to get some of the corrosion on the surface. It should just be superficial and easily buffed off

 

[Drmad7]

Wow! Thats a tuffy! That 14k looks legit but the rest looks questionable. But the conditions could have made it look that rough. I'm a gambler and would have spent the $150 also. I say it's gold!

 

[GibH]

I'd say it's 14k. I think the last 3 digits of the model number points to it as well.

 

[ARC]

Are there any other markings ?

In the cover ?
Words like "warranted" ?

 

[ARC]

Here is your watch.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/37164011_14k-gold-puritan-pocket-watch

 

[Beachkid23]

Thanks guys. It doesn't say warranted. It doesn't work either it's just probably scrap. Has no hands on it. No Crystal and the stem is broken.

 

[mugsisme]

A few months ago I got a 10K yellow gold necklace that had green on it near the clasp. I was sure it was a fake. The acid test was a strong positive. I took to the jeweler who xrayed it, and yes, it was 10K.
My friend told me that sometimes when it's around other vintage stuff that isn't in good condition the green can get on it, but should wash right off. Which it did.

 

[Beachkid23]

At least someone liked my post. *SIGH*

heh

We were at a picnic and my mom yelled at me for being on my phone instead of talking with people I haven't seen or don't even remember who they were. Oops! I do like your post and everything you comment though. Thank you very much!

 

[ARC]

I deleted the SIGH post :P

 

[ARC]

Don't worry...

Over the years I have grown use to working with and for....

thankless people. :P

J/k// np BK.

Best of luck on your watch... BTW...
Might want to list as is instead of scraping.
Could bring a tad more from the watch guys.

BIN it 100 above scrap.
IF... going to scrap anyway...

Don't forget to remove steel ring in case for correct weight.

 

[jochart]

great find BK, find a good movement and crystal for it and you've got yourself a beautiful 14k pocketwatch. I would keep it, they're hard to find at that price.

 

[gunsil]

A lot of "gold" pocket watches have real gold front and rear covers but the main body is plated. The main body naturally has the most weight, and if it is solid gold it should be marked so as the covers are.

 

[bdsawyer]

BK, sorry to say but I believe this is gold filled, I had one almost identical to that also just marked 14k, turned out to be heavy gold filled

 

[trdking]

The Puritan Watch case is a Model Not a maker. The maker is Bates and Bacon All of the Puritans were rolled gold filled warranted for 5 years. They skirted the law by placing the fact that they were plated by stating the fact in the paper description on the case warranty. This is early before the laws clamped down on unscrupulous practices by case makers. I have not ever seen or heard of anyone seeing a solid gold Puritan. Sorry Friend

 

[Spartcom5]

The Puritan Watch case is a Model Not a maker. The maker is Bates and Bacon All of the Puritans were rolled gold filled warranted for 5 years. They skirted the law by placing the fact that they were plated by stating the fact in the paper description on the case warranty. This is early before the laws clamped down on unscrupulous practices by case makers. I have not ever seen or heard of anyone seeing a solid gold Puritan. Sorry Friend

Completely agree with this. I have seen many cases like this marked 14k. People try and sell em off like they're gold but usually end up not being gold. Puritan Watch Cases see here. Be careful purchasing "solid gold" pocket watches!

Here is a good quote, "The Puritan case grade was listed in the Roy Ehrhardt "trademarks" book to have been made by Bates & Bacon in New York City until purchased by the Philadelphia Watch Case Co. in 1904. Philadelphia continued to use the B & B trademarks after the sale. The Puritan is listed as being a 10 Kt gold filled case, warrented for 5 years, but may have been upgraded to 14 Kt gold filled at a later date." http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?45509-Gold-vs-Gold-filled

 

[Beachkid23]

Well this is not good news... [emoji15]

 

[Beachkid23]

I'll let ya know in 5 min. I'll just put the acid right on the gold. I just don't have a stone.

 

[Beachkid23]

Well ain't that some BS



I want to cry....[emoji22]

 

[insontis]

Sorry beachkid, that sucks. I appreciate you taking the fall and learning this lesson for yourself & the rest of us. I know I'll be sure to acid test those in the future. You get some amazing finds and I'm sure you'll bounce back in no time!