DESCRIPTION:
EPW - High grade English double-dial calendar chronograph made for "Sir James Ramsden, Furness Abbey" and so marked on WED, the time-only dial signed by Willis on back, the unsigned mechanism most likely by Nicole Nielsen, the ET silver back dial showing what appears to be normal seconds but is actually a chronograph, the sweep hand a creeping minute register, with date and unusual regulator dials, 50mm, 18K OF original snap-back and bezel case, the only visible hallmarks being the London 18K quality stamps on pendant and bow, the case very much in the manner of Robert Benson North, SW-pin-set, fully capped pointed tooth side-lever escapement, 20J, gilt mvt, s#8678 under front dial. Gross weight of assembled watch 78.1 dwt (121.5 g). Sir James Ramsden, an important early figure in railroad development in England, was knighted in 1872. His biographies and obituaries can be found at Gracesguide.co.uk/James_Ramsden. In part, one paper wrote, "Sir James Ramsden died October 19, 1896, at the age of seventy-four, after a lingering illness, at Abbots Wood, his residence at Furness Abbey. To him more than to any other man the prosperous north Lancashire town of Barrow-in-Furness owes its remarkable growth." This watch obviously had a very specific function for his supervision of railway systems.
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, mint mvt condition overall; good chronograph functions; front dial perfect; rear dial near mint; hands mint on both sides; case shows very light wear, some MFS, no dents or dings, crisp hallmark detail; bow tight, crown shows very light wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$4600
-
$6600
PRICE SOLD:
$7200
"
"
"
"
"
"