DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, P S Bartlett model 1857 with rare and possibly unique application of Lamb's Patent ratchet, 18S, coin silver original Am Watch Co HC with ET silver cuvette and embossed eagle trademark, KWKS, WED with tall Roman numerals, lever escapement with gold balance, 11J, gilt mvt pattern NI damascene, s#42176. The hand-written Waltham serial number ledger shows this mvt being completed in November 1862 as part of a run with gold balance wheels. The ratchet mechanism is a type not previously documented, having a round steel puck that floats into a recess cut into the pillar plate; its travel is limited by a fine steel spring. The flattened puck functions by wedging itself between large lenticular cuts in the ratchet wheel and the cutout in the pillar plate. The bridge covering the ratchet assembly is engraved "Lamb's Patent." One can feel the smoothing effect of this design when winding the watch. We know of no other example.
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, excellent mvt condition overall, some plate staining; faint dial hl at 1:30, barely visible hl below 3 and another above 7; hands near mint; case shows little wear, few MFS, a light back dent, numerous minor dings to both covers, ET detail sharp and complete, medium tarnish overall; bow a bit loose, push shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$2000
PRICE SOLD:
$350
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"