Pocket Watch Database
Contributor
AIexander
Supporter
Member Since
August 18, 2023
Watches
64
Verifications
1
Illinois 64
Serial #1468784
Movement Image
Dial Image
Case Exterior Image
Case Markings Image
| Manufacturer | Illinois |
| Grade | 64 |
| Serial Number | 1468784 |
| Size | 18s |
| Model | 6 |
| Jewel Count | 15j |
| Setting | Lever |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Case Material | Goldfilled |
| Case Manufacturer | Keystone Watch Case Co. |
| Case Grade/Model | |
| Case Serial # | 6920396 |
| Case Details | |
| Dial Material | |
| Dial Type | |
| Dial Style | |
| Dial Signing Name | D. E. Graves (private label) |
| Dial Details | Dwight Estes Graves (DOB 8/18/1859) was born in South Deerfield, Massachusetts and later worked as a jeweler and watchmaker in the town of Warren, Massachusetts. While living in Warren, Graves became very fond of skeet shooting and opened a gun club on the east shore of Comins Pond in 1899. Graves was also a member of the Freemasons and part of the pursuing committee for the local Thief Detecting Society. In February of 1895, a man from Natick, MA forged Graves' signature and bought 3 watches from various dealers in Boston. Luckily, a man recognized the forger as a former employee of J. G. Hastings, who was a pharmacist who shared the store also occupied by D. E. Graves. The forger was quickly arrested, and Graves would later testify in court on the handwriting used on the watch orders which led to the conviction of the forger. Two years later in August of 1897 the store where Graves worked out of was broken into through the forced entry of a back window, but only about $4 was stolen. Six or seven other buildings were also broken into that night with very little stolen, suggesting that the break-ins were not done by professional thieves. The local Thief Detecting Society offered a $100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrators, but it's unknown as to whether the thieves were caught. Besides jewelry, Graves was also listed in the 1899 Massachusetts business directory as a bicycle dealer and seller of musical instruments in his shop. For reasons unknown, Graves left Massachusetts and moved out to Cashmere, Washington. This was possibly due to the railway which had recently been built through the small town. In Cashmere, he purchased a business called Cashmere Dairy from a man named Berm Simpson. Graves ran this dairy business jointly with his jewelry and insurance business. He would also go into the fruit business with the purchase of apple orchards. Graves passed away at the age of 59 years old on June 20, 1919. He and his wife are buried in the town at the Cashmere Cemetery. |
| Movement Markings | Illinois Watch Co Springfield Safety Pinion Adjusted 17 Jewels |
Contributed to the database by AIexander on September 27, 2023.
This collection record was most recently edited on September 29, 2023.
This collection record was most recently edited on September 29, 2023.