18K Elgin Antique Hunting Case Pocket Watch

Item Details

This exceptional 1873 Elgin National Watch Co. timepiece is more than a high-grade instrument; it is a preserved relic of American Gilded Age industrialism and Cincinnati’s merchant royalty. Housed in a massive 18K yellow gold hunter case, the watch features the rare ‘H.Z. Culver’ Grade 61 movement—a 15-jewel, factory-adjusted masterpiece named after one of Elgin’s founding fathers.

The watch’s true distinction lies in its documented provenance. Inscribed on the cuvette is a tribute to Nathaniel Van Maxwell (1830–1880), dated November 18, 1880. This specimen was a prized centerpiece in the collection of Stewart Shillito Maxwell, a name synonymous with the legendary Shillito’s Department Store—Cincinnati’s first and most influential retail empire. This connection transforms the watch from a mere timepiece into a significant piece of Ohio’s cultural and economic heritage.

Based on the watch’s internal inscriptions and historical archives, we can trace the descent of this heirloom through three distinct generations of the Maxwell and Shillito families.

Nathaniel Van Maxwell (1830–1880):
The inscription ‘Nathaniel Van Maxwell 1830 November 18th 1880’ signifies the lifespan of the original or memorialized owner. The movement itself dates to 1873, suggesting the watch may have been acquired during his life or commissioned as a high-value memorial piece upon his passing in 1880. He was a prominent figure in the Centerville and Cincinnati, Ohio area.

Nathaniel Hamilton Maxwell (1880–1943):
The son of Nathaniel Van Maxwell, born just months before his father’s death. He became a distinguished Cincinnati attorney. His marriage to Mildred Trimble Shillito cemented the union of two powerful local lineages. Mildred was the daughter of Stewart Shillito, the president and heir to the John Shillito Company (Shillito’s), Cincinnati’s first and largest department store.

Stewart Shillito Maxwell (1928–1986):
Named after his maternal grandfather, Stewart Shillito Maxwell was a noted Cincinnati architect and dedicated collector of family antiquities. The watch remained in his private collection until it was acquired for appraisal/sale, serving as a direct link to the retail empire that once anchored the city’s downtown.

Condition

Case middle has two dents.

• Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.

Item #

ITMGS29455