#72 • Nome Gold Rush Gold Nugget Pocket Watch & Fob

Part of June 2025 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $7,500.00

Status: Sold

Category: Timepieces

A stunning antique, c.1905, full hunter Elgin pocket watch from Nome, Alaska, housed in a Wadsworth Rambler case with a thick layer of chunky gold rush period placer gold nuggets. Attached is a pocket chain linked with ten gold nuggets, terminating in a beautiful bear claw fob with 14 karat gold cap. The watch case is inlaid with an abundance of placer gold nuggets on both the front and back sides. It was tested and functional at the time of cataloging. There is light overall wear commensurate with age, including a few hairline cracks to the dial, and a spot of repair on the seconds bit; the gold of the case is unpolished. Watch measures approximately 2" in diameter with a 16.5" chain; claw pendant measures approximately 2" x 0.25" x 2" in length. Full details follow below. Total weight 166.6 grams. Maker: Elgin Model: 6 Grade: 290 Size: 16s S/N: 11595843 Est. Production Date: 1905 Movement Type: Hunting Jewels: 7j Case Style: Full Hunter, Wadsworth Rambler Case Material: 10k Yellow Gold-Filled w/ Abundant Natural Gold Nuggets Fob Material: 14k Yellow Gold Links w/ 10x Gold Nuggets Weight: 166.6 grams total (Watch = 128 grams, Chain = 37.8 grams) Functionality: Functional at time of cataloging Notes: Antique Bear Claw Attached to Fob