DESCRIPTION:
APW - Ferd Pairan, maker, serial #1, silver fusee pocket chronometer with pivoted detent escapement, mvt marked "Manufactured at N.G. Baker's, West Aurora, Ill." and marked with 1864 date, dial marked "N.G. Baker, West Aurora, Ill.," 59mm, heavy silver original HED HC with eagle hallmark, white enamel SS canister style (friction fit) dial, KWKS, fully capped pivoted detent escapement with gold escape wheel, likely 19J, gilt mvt, s#1 with matching serial number within case. Gross weight of assembled watch 132.0 dwt (205.5 g). A very intriguing American pocket chronometer of Civil War era vintage, with serial #1 marked to both its case and its movement. Ferdinand Pairan, born in Prussia in 1837, was a chronometer and watch maker that was active in the Chicago, Illinois area during the 1860s and in later life relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio. A tantalizing newspaper entry from pre-statehood Montana, possibly referencing the present watch, is found in the January 6th, 1866 issue of "The Montana Post" and reads ""Chronometer - We have inspected a beautifully finished specimen of the watch-maker's art, belonging to L.C. Lee. It is a silver chronometer, made by Fred (sic) Pairan, Aurora, Illinois. The movement cost $375. It is the only one of the kind in the Territory and is a perfect time-keeper. Lee is manufacturing some fine specimens of gold chain." Please see our final two photos for an image of this entry from "The Montana Post" as well as an image of an entry from the June 12th, 1869 edition of the Chicago Tribune noting Pairan's business relocation within Chicago.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with scattered micro-fine scratches, detent with some shellac excess visible at seat of locking pallet; nearly flawless dial with few negligible very small fine to micro-fine scratches, few infinitesimal pinpoint nicks to lower rim of center hole; excellent hands, hour with some oxide to inner portion of its spade; case shows medium wear, an overall patina with some scattered splotchy darker areas, some scratches to upper perimeter of front and scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, few nicks to band, no dents or dings, cuvette with small bit of play at its hinge; tight bow, push shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$4000
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