DESCRIPTION:
Chelsea 8-day, World War 1 era aluminum aircraft clock for the Aviation Section, Signal Corps, a predecessor to the modern day US Air Force, 107mm round, 46mm thick, original aluminum case with three mounting holes, screw down bezel and winding/setting crown at 6, back stamped "C.C.Co 117, February 1918," original black dial has turned an attractive "tropical" brown color with a 3-6-9 layout with subsidiary seconds at 12, matching s#116080 on both movement and case. The Aviation Section of the Signal Corps was founded in 1914 and was the second iteration of the United States version of an Air Force. They first saw action against Pancho Villa during the Mexican Expedition when Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico. The entire squadron consisted of 8 Curtis JN-4 "Jenny's" at the time and only 11 pilots. With the entire Aviation section only consisting of 44 active duty officers, this was soon to change with the breakout of World War 1 with the inevitable expansion that ended 33 years later in the formation of the United States Air Force. Truly a must have piece for the early military collector or the Chelsea collector who just doesn't have "everything." From the estate of Daniel L. Haff.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered fine and micro-fine scratches; excellent-plus dial with discoloration and light surface spotting; excellent hands; case shows very light wear, numerous dings and scrapes on bezel from years of possible use; crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$600
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$1200
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