Featured in this lot is this 1916 Illinois Watch Company Grade 404 pocket watch set in a Keystone case. John C. Adams and a number of other investors established the Illinois Watch Company in 1870. The Illinois Watch Company, originally known as the Springfield Watch Company, underwent reorganization in 1872 and changed its name. They were among the first American watchmakers to use the Waltham Watch Company's revolutionary interchangeable parts system. This facilitated repairs and enabled more effective production. The "Bunn Special" watch's introduction in 1879 was one significant innovation. The Bunn Special, known for its accuracy and dependability, rose to become one of the most well-known and respected railroad watches. It was produced in a variety of models with various features and grades, and it was given the vice president of the company, Charles H. Bunn, as its name. The Great Depression and the emergence of wristwatches presented difficulties for the Illinois Watch Company. The business made an attempt to enter the wristwatch market but found it difficult to compete with Swiss producers who were able to make more reasonably priced and precise wristwatches. The watch industry was also severely affected by the 1930s economic downturn, which ultimately resulted in the Illinois Watch Company's closure in 1928. The serial number inscribed alongside the movement is numbered, "2893663" indicating it was made in 1916. The pocket watch is a grade 404, 17 jewel, size 12s, model 3 and features a nickel movement finish and a bride plate. The watch is not railroad graded. The watch sits in a Keystone nickel alloy case with the serial number reading, "760291". Under Hagstoz & Thorpe's ownership, the Keystone Watch Case factory opened its doors in 1880. Prior to that, the business produced gold-filled cases under the "J. Boss" brand and patent. The new factory was initially constructed to produce gold and silver cases in order to separate production of gold-filled cases. When the factory first opened in 1880, these cases were identified with the Keystone symbol. The gold-filled company run by Hagstoz & Thrope was eventually absorbed by the Keystone Watch Case Company, which resulted in the creation of the Keystone Watch Case Company and the Keystone trademark on all cases. The watch is working, but shows slight damage to the face with cracks and a small chip. The front glass is also missing from the watch leaving the hands exposed. The watch measures 1 3/4" in diameter and 1 7/8" in height. The watch weighs 52.8 grams.