Illinois size 18 pocket watch silver case

[byjwr1]

Hello!

I have an Illinois size 18 ( 1899 vintage ) pocket watch in a beautifull case and stamped on the inside of
the back cover ( ORE SILVER # 1 ). I have seen cases marked Silverine, Silverode and Silveroid and I
know what they mean. I haven’t been able to fined information covering ORE SILVER #1. Is it the same
as sterling? I would appreciate your inputs.

Thank You

BYJWR1

[Bob Tascione]

Welcome to the forum BYJWR1!
I believe these cases were made by J. Fahys & Co. and that Ore Silver cases are Nickel and contain no Silver. Don’t know about the #1 though.
Hope this helps,
Have fun,
Bob

[byjwr1]

Hello Bob,

The case was made by J Fahys Co., but, I think it is a little strange that they would use the term Ore Silver #1 for a
case made with nickel alloy.

Thanks for your reply Bob!

BYJWR1

[Bob Tascione]

Hi BYJWR1,
I’m with you on that one. Maybe Nickel was a dirty word back then or something. Silverine, Silverode and Silveroid all have no silver. Wierd.
Bob

[oldtimers]

Hello BYJWr1,
Strange but true. According to the book “History of American Watch Cases” Ore Silver cases do not contain silver. With or without the #1. I bought a few of them in the past and was shocked to discover they were nickle.

[byjwr1]

Hello Oldtimers,

Thanks for your input. Perhaps the word silver helped sell more Pocket Watches? I believe Nickel is a very
durable and nice looking metal. Makes a nice case for a Pocket Watch.

Thanks Again

BYJWR1

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