DESCRIPTION:
APW - H. & J.F. Pitkin, East Hartford, Connecticut, s#164, 7J, 52mm case diameter, two-tone brass and white metal purpose made display recase, white enamel dial, KWKS, Massey type III lever escapement with enclosed pallets, lantern pinion train wheels running within countersinks of screws threaded in plates, gilt mvt, s#164. An extremely rare early American-made watch of the utmost historical significance, the brothers Henry and James Flagg Pitkin were the founders of the machine made American pocket watch industry having produced several hundred watches in East Hartford, Connecticut between 1838 and 1841 and these were the first American made watches produced by machinery. It is believed that the initial approximately fifty movements were signed "Henry Pitkin", while the next several hundred were signed "H. & J.F. Pitkin" as on the present example. In October of 1841 the Pitkin brothers relocated to New York and movements signed "Pitkin & Co., New York" of a somewhat different design are known with serial numbers in the upper 300s range. From the Wing family collection. CONDITION: Mvt: Running after a twist to start...
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running after a twist to start, correctly matched internal serial numbers with a factory executed overstamping of the last digit on the dial plate to correct from 165 to 164, lead solder which is likely not factory work is visible on dial mounting plate and is holding the dial feet, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright gilt tone, some scattered fine and more profuse scattered micro-fine scratches, small spot on main plate between third wheel and center wheel pinions; dial with long faint hl from 10:30 to 4, smaller faint hl running off to 12, some very small edge chips between 11 and 12, few very small to minuscule edge flakes elsewhere; excellent hands; purpose made display case shows light wear, no dents or dings, mvt is held via friction fit and must be handled carefully when bezel is removed so it does not potentially drop out; bow pivots freely; good thick glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$12000
-
$24000
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"