Preview by appointment, Auction starts at 11am.
THIS IS A PARTIAL CATALOG as of 03/21/2023, subject to revision.
Although this auction has a live close by a live-streamed auctioneer, there will be no in-person bidding.
Bids will be accepted online and by pre-arranged telephone bids.
DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Crystal Plate, serial #16, Model 1872, 16-17J, 16S, 18K gold OF original A.W Co case with "Y" prefix serial number, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial with Arabic numerals in radial orientation and with distinctive Old English "A.W.Co." signature, SW-LS, back plate and balance cock constructed of polished transparent rock crystal, gold pallet bridge, gilt damascene dial plate, gilt pillar screws, mirror finish and gilt winding wheels with mirrored steel hubs, s#16. Gross weight of assembled watch 74.4 dwt (115.7 g). Possibly the most beautiful and iconic watches in American horology, the Waltham Crystal Plate movements have red ruby jewels friction set directly into the upper plate giving the illusion of their floating in mid-air. In total it is believed that only approximately 20 to 25 examples of the 16 size crystal plate were produced. For more excellent information on this watch type we recommend the April 2003 NAWCC Bulletin article titled "Waltham's Crystal Plates," written by Gerrit A. Nijssen and Carl B. Goetz.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, upper crystal plates excellent though not quite perfect with a very short (slightly over 1mm length) hairline fracture at its perimeter from edge to the adjacent pillar screw between the winding wheels, an additional hairline visible extending through the even smaller visible space to underneath the adjacent edge of the smaller winding wheel, two very small flakes at perimeter edge of main plate (one being to underside of plate at signature area, one being at edge near immediately adjacent perimeter of larger winding wheel) and one tiny flake to perimeter edge of main plate (at edge immediately adjacent perimeter of smaller winding wheel), these upper crystal plate flaws each being quite small and having very little impact on in-hand appearance, crystal balance cock is flawless, gilt dial plate with superb color and luster, smaller winding wheels with some mild spotting which is more notable to smaller wheel; dial with edge chip at one which reaches to minute chapter between 5 and 6.5 minutes, three faint outer chapter hls between 2 and 3, edge chipping between 2 and 3 which is nearly fully under case bezel; excellent hands, some oxide and finish loss to portion of tip and moon of minute, slight bend to tail of seconds-hand; case shows light wear, ding to band near 8:30, mild soft ding to center rear; tight bow thinned a bit at top, crown shows light to medium wear; glass crystal with small fracture at bottom perimeter.
ESTIMATE:
$50000
-
$100000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Edward Howard, by Howard Keystone, 23J with distinctive blue sapphire jeweling, free-sprung balance with special fine adjustment weights mounted on balance spars, 16S, heavy 18K gold original Howard case with Jürgensen-style lips and five-knuckle hinges, gold cuvette with ornate signature ring and matching mvt s#, "Edward Howard" marked white enamel SS dial, SW-SS, free-sprung balance with gold and platinum timing weights, frosted tear-shaped cap settings on balance and escape wheel, wolf's tooth winding with frosted and mirror finish wheels, frosted gilt mvt, s#75 with matching serial number engraved to case cuvette. This example notably comes with its original fitted wooden Edward Howard box which contains the original serial number 75 certificate noting the sales price of $350 as well as an additional stamping in red for a $17.50 "5% War Tax." Box also contains a "Suggestions for care of Howard Watch" insert, and in the space beneath the watch in the box there is a compartment which contains an additional mainspring and an additional crystal, each wrapped in paper. Gross weight of assembled watch 66.2 dwt (103.0 g). Introduced in 1912 and priced at the lofty sum of $350 retail, the "Edward Howard" was E. Howard Watch Co.'s flagship product and made a conspicuous entry into the elite market niche. In total it is believed that approximately 300 examples (if not a bit less) of the Edward Howard were produced, and examples we have encountered have spanned serial numbers ranging from the mid 2-digit range up to the low 300s. The present example is notable for the presence of its original box and certificate of which the survival rate appears to be fairly low based on examples we've seen. An interesting feature of the present movement we believe worthy of mention is that the movement attaches to the case via tabs under the case bezel, with no case screws or provision for case screws seen from the back side of the movement. This arrangement appears to be found among only some of the low serial numbered Edward Howard examples, as we have observed serial numbers 62, 66 and 74 to be of this same style, but serial number 82 and all examples we have seen at higher serial numbers than this have had the more common (and in this cataloger's opinion, less visually elegant) design with case screws accessible from the rear.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent plates with few small micro-fine scratches, larger winding wheel with perpendicular micro-fine scratch striations from past light sanding, remainder of steelwork with few scattered small bits of oxide; dial with few very faint hls; nearly mint hands; case shows little wear, very shallow crease type dent to rear and few soft dings to rear creating rippling of reflection, ding to band near 3, scattered small nicks elsewhere to band; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal; box in excellent cosmetic condition overall though with spiderweb crazing of its lacquered finish to top portion and to lower portion of front.
ESTIMATE:
$10000
-
$18000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 947 marked "Extra," 23J, 18S, 14K multicolor gold box hinge HC with yellow gold buck to rear surrounded by multicolor floral detail, front with rose gold shield surrounded by multicolor floral detail, fancy white enamel SS dial with gold foil numerals against light blue backgrounds, light blue color and gold foil decoration at center, gold foil minute markers, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, ornate nickel damascene, s#239373. Gross weight of assembled watch 97.6 dwt (151.8 g). A beautiful example of this extremely rare watch, the total production of the Grade 947 is 310 made but only a very small fraction of these were marked "Extra." This particular serial number is listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as being a Grade 947 that was sold to A.N. Anderson of Minneapolis, MN on April 8th, 1914. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, winds stiffly, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces with some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, small bit of abrasion to inner edge of barrel bridge adjacent regulator adjustment screw, oxide to regulator spring; virtually flawless dial with few micro-fine scratches; nearly mint hands; case shows hardly any wear, dings to upper portion of front, few mild dings to perimeter of cuvette, dents to band at 5 and 7, superb engraving detail, case with few ambiguous marks to inner rear of rim around mvt seat; tight bow, crown shows little wear; clean plastic crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$8000
-
$15000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 951 (marked), 23J, 16S, heavy 14K gold original HC with ornate deeply engraved floral pattern throughout, front shield with initials, fancy bow, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, bridge model mvt, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#325422. Gross weight of assembled watch 68.0 dwt (105.6 g). A beautiful example of this top grade Hamilton rarity, the total production of the lever-set Grade 951 was only 97 made. This particular example is listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as being an August 3rd, 1915 sale to the Stein & Ellbogen Co. who were wholesale jewelers based in Chicago, Illinois. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running after a sluggish start, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, fine scratch to barrel bridge between smaller winding wheel and bridge perimeter, few typical mild micro-fine scratches elsewhere, few mild light spots to plate surfaces, few small bits of oxide to larger winding wheel; dial with faint outer chapter hls at 4 and perimeter of dial at this area with some associated small adjacent fractures and a small edge chip under bezel; excellent hands, some oxide and slight bend to tip of minute; case shows virtually no wear, no dents or dings, superb crisp engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$8000
-
$12000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - E. Howard & Co, Boston, Series VI, very rare keywind variant, 15J, G-S (a pendant watch, just over 6S), 18K gold OF original case marked for retailer Woltz Bros. & Co. (of Toronto, Canada), rear with very attractive engraving detail of the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada (the seven-province version is depicted, this being the style used between 1874 and 1915), gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, umbrella style hands, KWKS (key not included with this lot), gilt mvt, s#100085. Gross weight of assembled watch 40.7 dwt (63.3 g). A notable rarity among early E. Howard & Co. production, it is believed that at most 80 examples of the keywind version of the G size were made. Per Howard factory records these were produced between 1874 and 1876 with this production comprised of an initial block of 60 examples from serial numbers 100001 to 100060, and followed by a block of 20 examples from serials 100071 to 100090, with the intervening sequence of 10 serial numbers from 100061 to 100070 noted as "Destroyed." The present watch is particularly notable for the presence of its very attractive original gold case and is among only a handful of examples known with original case. At the time this watch was exhibited at the 2002 NAWCC National Seminar: "Boston: Cradle of Industrial Watchmaking," held in Boxboro MA, it was noted that it was one of only three keywind G-S known with original case. The case of this particular piece is very appealing for its distinctive Canadian character, with marking for a Toronto retailer within the case and with the engraving to the rear of the case of the Canadian Royal Coat of Arms. Although the present piece is a pendant watch, we have chosen to present it here among our American pocket watches category rather than within the smaller pendant watch category due to its appeal to E. Howard & Co. collectors.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, overhaul recommended, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, main plate with some surface spots and fine scratches, mild oxide to winding arbor escutcheon; dial with small flakes to rim of seconds-register hole, otherwise virtually flawless with tiny edge nick under bezel at 9:30; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, two small nicks to band at 4, excellent engraving detail; tight bow, push shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$6000
-
$12000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Crystal Plate, serial #35, 17J, 4S, gold-filled OF display case, white enamel dial without seconds-register, lever escapement, free-sprung balance, jeweled barrel arbor, gold train, gold pallet bridge, back plate and balance cock constructed from polished transparent rock crystal, quilted pattern gilt damascene dial plate, s#35. Possibly the most beautiful and iconic watches in American horology, the Waltham Crystal Plate movements have red ruby jewels friction set directly into the upper plate giving the illusion of their floating in mid-air. In total it is believed that approximately 75 examples of this 4 size Crystal Plate movement were produced. For further information regarding Waltham's Crystal Plate watches we recommend the April 2003 NAWCC Bulletin article titled "Waltham's Crystal Plates" by Gerrit A. Nijssen and Carl B. Goetz. Please note that although this watch is pendant watch sized, we have included it among the men's size portion of this catalog due to its primary interest being among Waltham collectors generally as opposed to collectors of pendant watches.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, crystal main plate is flawless, crystal balance cock has a few tiny flakes adjacent the hairspring stud screw and has a hl fracture visible crossing the very narrow space between hairspring stud screw and balance jewel setting, gilt dial plate with superb color and luster; case shows little wear, some abrasions to band at 2:30 and 3:30, very small sliver of wear to brass to edge of front bezel at 9:30, small bits of wear to brass to lower portion of pendant; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$6000
-
$12000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Pennsylvania Special, 26J, 18S, heavy 14K rose gold box hinge J&S (Jeannot & Shiebler) OF recase with initials engraved to its rear, gold cuvette with presentation engraving, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, internally jeweled barrel, gold jewel settings, two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, s#1742935. Gross weight of assembled watch 91.8 dwt (142.8 g). A beautiful and rare top grade watch, we believe the total production of the 26 jewel Pennsylvania Special is likely in the range of approximately 135 to 150 made. The present example is notable for the superb preservation of its two-tone movement color.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, superb two-tone color, some fine scratches surrounding lower case screw with the most notable running along plate perimeter and terminating above the "s" of "Adjusted," some scattered micro-fine scratches elsewhere, some oxide to regulator assembly; nearly flawless dial with perimeter fine scratch at 2, few small lesser fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere and few pinpoint surface nicks; excellent hands, minute with some spots of finish loss and looks to be missing a small portion of its tip; case shows light wear, dent to band between 2 and 3 which is more immediately evident when case rear is opened, prominent ding to lower rear with associated surrounding lesser dings and nicks, ding to left perimeter of rear, some scattered lesser dings elsewhere to rear perimeter, band and bezel, good engraving detail, setting lever slot has been enlarged, rear of case pendant appears to have a plugged position where a stem detent screw once was; tight bow thinned somewhat at top, replacement crown shows ample wear and has ridge break; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$6000
-
$10000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Premier Maximus with winding indicator, 23J, 16S, heavy 14K gold OF original Waltham Premier Maximus case with Jürgensen-style lips, five-knuckle hinges, gold cuvette with elaborate signature ring bearing matching mvt s# and also a 1921 presentation engraving, "Waltham Premier Maximus" marked white enamel quadruple-sunk dial, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, three visible diamond endstones, jeweled barrel, raised gold jewel settings with large gold plate caps for fourth wheel and escape wheel, circular pattern nickel damascene, s#17000158 with matching serial number to cuvette signature ring. Gross weight of assembled watch 69.7 dwt (108.4 g). An excellent original example of this top grade prestige watch, this example notably has matching movement and cuvette signature ring serial number which for some reason is surprisingly challenging to find among Premier Maximus production as many extant examples have unmatched serial numbers.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good winding indicator function, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered micro-fine to ultra-fine scratches, center bridge with some mild spots in area beyond center jewel; virtually flawless dial with very small nick to upper rim of circular winding indicator recess below 12; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, profuse micro-fine scratches, cuvette with some scratches to its inner surface, no dents or dings; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$5000
-
$8600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, 23J, rare Model 8, 16S, gold-filled original HC, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel, fishscale pattern nickel damascene, s#2577527. A very rare watch that is perhaps the most desirable variant among hunting case Illinois Bunn Special production; the total production of this hunting case 23 jewel fishscale damascene Bunn Special is believed to be only 100 made per Michael Chamelin's Bunn Special book. At the time the book was written only seven examples had been recorded by the author, and the present example offered here is fresh to market having been "found" within the past year from a source outside the collecting community.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some typical scattered micro-fine scratches, some oxide to winding wheels and regulator assembly; dial with scattered hls, some fading of "5" minute numeral, tiny edge nick under bezel near 8:30; fine hands with some areas of oxide; case shows light wear, some short but deep scratches inside rear at upper-right perimeter, ding to front of band at 8 and to adjacent edge of front, some lesser scattered dings and nicks elsewhere, wear to brass to much of pendant, case front lift spring needs assistance to open lid, case rear and cuvette open wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 110 degrees and 115 degrees, respectively); tight bow, crown shows ample wear and has had some notches filed for grip; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
-
$7000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Presidential presentation Model 1872, Riverside, 15J, heavy 18K gold original HC with "M W K" initials to front shield, gold cuvette engraved "Presented by the President of the United States to Captain Miles Kirkpatrick of the British Steamer West Cumberland, for his humanity and bravery displayed in effecting the rescue of the crew and passengers of the American Schooner Millie G. Bowne, Dec. 22 - 1889," white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#3247700. Gross weight of assembled watch 91.5 dwt (142.3 g). An excellent example of a Presidential presentation Waltham, this piece dating to the term of President Benjamin Harrison. A terrific account of the rescue behind this presentation is found in an article titled "Rescued and at Home" which was written in the January 3rd, 1890 issue of "The Boston Globe" and with our photos we have included a digital image of this article. In short: the Millie G. Bowne was a four-masted schooner that was launched in October of 1889 but was grievously damaged by a hurricane over a span of four days from December 12th to 15th of 1889. On December 16th the storm abated to the extent that the crew of Millie G. Bowne could set distress signals, and on December 22nd the occupants of the ship were rescued by Captain Miles W. Kirkpatrick's vessel and the Millie G. Bowne was set ablaze and scuttled at sea. Please also see our photos for digital images of articles found in the October 26th, 1889 issue of the "Evening Express" (of Portland, Maine) and the October 31st, 1889 issue of "The Boston Globe" which give additional information on the Millie G. Bowne.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running after a sluggish start, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, plates with some micro-fine scratches, winding wheels with some small spots of oxide; nearly flawless dial with short perimeter scratch outside minute chapter at 7, micro-fine scratch above seconds-register; excellent hour and seconds-hand, fine minute with oxide to tip; case shows hardly any wear, cuvette with some fine scratches from slipped past openings which reach into the lower-right perimeter of its engraving and with some additional shorter scratches in the area outside its engraving, lower front with some abrasions and fine scratches adjacent hinge area, ding to band at 12, some nicks elsewhere to band, no dents, excellent engine turning detail with only slight reduction at portions of shoulder; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
-
$7000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Columbus, Columbus King, 25J, 18S, 8K gold drum style B.W.C.Co. HC recase with "wheat" hallmark indicative of this content, case with attractive floral engraving detail, small seaside château scene to rear, gold cuvette, "Columbus King 25 Jewels" marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel as well as jeweled barrel arbor, nickel damascene, s#503182. Gross weight of assembled watch 75.4 dwt (117.3 g). A very rare watch, the total production of the 25 jewel hunting case Columbus is estimated at just 100 total made per the June 2003 NAWCC Bulletin "Railroader's Corner" article, with this total production being divided among movements marked "Columbus King" and "Railway King".
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, few short scratches at plate perimeters, few fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, broken regulator spring, one balance jewel setting screw is a replacement seated above surrounding surface; flawless dial though with some looseness to mvt as two mvt dial screws are missing (dial feet are present); excellent hands; case shows little wear, dent to upper-right of rear and to lower-left of rear, good engraving detail, case front opens a small bit wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 100 degrees) and front lift spring allows lid to tilt back a bit toward closed with gravity; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$3400
-
$5400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Washington Watch Co, Greenwich, Grade 710, 23J marked as "23 Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Jewels," Model 10, 16S, white gold-filled OF recase with very attractive engraving detail to rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, diamond endstone, checkerboard center pattern nickel damascene, s#3377359. A very rare top grade Illinois watch, the total production of this Model 10 version of the Grade 710 Washington Watch Co. "Greenwich" is believed to be only 70 made.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, plates with some typical mild fine to micro-fine scratches, some pinpoint nicks to balance cock, pallet jewel setting with a scratch, some oxide to regulator spring; dial with fractured segment below seconds-register at 6 that appears to have been secured with glue but is somewhat raised and out of level with plane of remainder of dial, some scattered outer chapter hls elsewhere, small flake at 7:30 near edge, short scratch at upper-right of center section; fine hands with areas of finish loss; case shows little wear, curved semi-circular scratch inside case rear, some nicks to band, engraving detail with mild reduction; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$3000
-
$5000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Dennison, Howard & Davis, 15J, 18S, 14K gold (tested) original "J.H" HC with attractive engraving detail including a countryside home scene to front, rear with armorial type imagery of a lion and a wolf standing on hind legs with their front legs on a crest, gold cuvette, white enamel dial, KWKS (key not included with this lot), gilt mvt, s#1547. Gross weight of assembled watch 79.3 dwt (123.4 g). An attractive and scarce gold cased example of this historically important early watch, the "Dennison, Howard & Davis" grade was produced by Waltham's predecessor the Boston Watch Co. between approximately 1854 and 1857. We do not know the identity of the "J.H" casemaker, but note that we have handled two other original gold cased Dennison, Howard & Davis with this case marking in past years. This example was previously owned by noted collector and horological author Bill Meggers, as evident from the distinctive thick plastic bag with inventory label in Meggers' distinctive style.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, good gilt tone, some scattered mild haze spots; flawless dial; excellent hands, minute with few small bends; case shows medium wear, cuvette with a ding near winding aperture, reduced engraving detail; tight bow thinned substantially at top, push shows ample wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$3000
-
$4600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Osaka Watch Co, Osaka, Japan, 11J, 18S, silver original Osaka Watch Co HC, nickel-plated cuvette, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, gilt mvt, s#605. An excellent and attractive original triple signed example from this rare maker. The Osaka Watch Company of Osaka, Japan was the descendant of a pair of short-lived and ill-fated American companies based in California: the Otay Watch Company which produced approximately 1200 watches in total and the San Jose Watch Company which only produced approximately 10 to 12 watches in its extremely brief existence. Following the demise of the San Jose Watch Co, the equipment and parts were boxed up and shipped to Japan where a deal was struck to make brand new 18 size watches in Japan of the same design and on the same machinery; thus the Osaka Watch Co. was formed. It's unknown just how few watches were made by Osaka but surviving examples are quite rare, as the original production was presumably relatively small and as the attrition rate is likely unusually high due to events such as the great Kanto earthquake of 1923, the subsequent firestorm following the earthquake, and the numerous bombing raids on Japan during World War II. The present watch is fresh to market having come to our consignor from a source in Japan, and this is only the second example of an Osaka watch our firm has sold in the 21st century. Although the present watch is of Asian manufacture, we have chosen to present it among the American portion of this auction's offerings due to its interest being largely associated with its maker's American roots with the pair of rare California companies.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running with a fresh overhaul in March of 2023, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with somewhat darkened tone, plates with some scattered spots with the most notable a mild fingerprint type etching to main plate in area between s# and barrel bridge, few fine to micro-fine scratches, regulator with oxide; dial with some outer chapter fractures, some faint hls, short vertical scratch above seconds-register; excellent hands, oxide to tip of minute, some oxide to seconds-hand; case shows very little wear, an attractive moderate patina with an area of lesser toning at lower front, no dents or dings, excellent engine turning detail overall though lower front with some relative reduction, cuvette with finish loss to much of its outer surface likely from a past polishing; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$3000
-
$4200
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, "Railroad Official" marked mvt, Grade 184, Model 4, 23J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with superb engine turning and engraving detail including a majestic stag's head to rear, "J.M.R." (these initials are for jeweler John M. Roberts of Pittsburgh, PA) marked white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, pinstripe pattern nickel damascene, s#1617287. An exceptionally rare watch, only 15 examples of the 23 jewel hunting case version of the Grade 184 were made. Based on the very few known examples it appears likely all 15 were marked as "Railroad Official" and with "J.M.R." signed dial. This particular example was formerly owned by Illinois Watch Co. author and researcher Bill Meggers and comes with his distinctive inventory card and bag as pictured noting his acquisition of the watch for $1250 in 1980, his observations of the watch, and noting all repairs and modifications during his ownership. In all, a terrific piece for the collector of Illinois rarities!
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, likely broken mainspring, balance swings freely and will tick with pressure added at center wheel, overhaul needed, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, some typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, few very small specks of oxide to winding wheel, barrel bridge has been slotted opposite regulator adjustment screw to facilitate easier regulator adjustment but we do not consider this as a conditional flaw as this is a trait shared by a number of higher grade Illinois 16 size Getty model movements that were made for John M. Roberts, so this modification was presumably either performed in Roberts' own shop or was performed at the Illinois factory per Roberts' specification; dial with outer chapter hls between 4 and 6, outer chapter hl at 10, some scattered tiny surface and edge nicks; excellent hands, minor oxide to minute; case shows hardly any wear, fine scratches to bezel at 5, ding to upper rear shoulder more noticeable internally, scattered pinpoint nicks to band, superb engine turning and engraving detail, small spot of wear to brass to cuvette shoulder near lip, case front opens slightly less than 90 degrees (to approximately 85 degrees); tight bow, crown shows little wear and has some up/down play; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$4000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 950B, 23J, 16S, heavy 14K gold OF original Hamilton Model A case, "Hamilton 23 Jewels Railway Special" marked melamine DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with Elinvar hairspring, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#S20553. Gross weight of assembled watch 78.1 dwt (121.5 g). A superb example of this extremely rare piece, we can count on one hand the number of 14K gold Model A cases we have seen, as this cataloger is aware of at least three examples but can't recall with certainty if he has seen a fourth. Like the other few examples we've observed, this case does not carry any Hamilton marking, being instead marked simply as "Keystone 14K" but is otherwise identical in design to the gold-filled version of the Model A. The Grade 950B in this 14K gold version of the Model A case was advertised by Hamilton in their 1957 catalog at a price of $325, and this extravagant price certainly explains its rarity as this 14K gold option was $200 higher than the Grade 950B in gold-filled Model 17 case which is listed in the 1957 catalog at the price of $125.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, some scattered small micro-fine scratches; excellent dial with light line of rub at 7, short scratch above 4, few mild lesser surface rubs and fine scratches elsewhere; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, some typical micro-fine contact scratches to rear, no dents or dings, vertical brushed finish of rear remains largely visible with only loss at shoulder; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2600
-
$3600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Convertible model, Grade 50, 15J, 16S, heavy 18K rose gold drum style Ulysse Nardin Locle OF case with very attractive and unusual deep scalloped fluting to bezel, band, and rear perimeter, gold drum style cuvette likewise with deep scalloped fluting detail to its perimeter, Jürgensen-style lips, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#1683577. Gross weight of assembled watch 75.9 dwt (118.2 g). A spectacular heavy case with a very striking and unusual in-hand appearance.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some scattered mild surface spots and some scattered micro-fine scratches; dial with cluster of hls between 3 and 5, few additional light hls elsewhere, edge flake near 1; excellent hands of mismatched color, hour and minute are blue, seconds-hand is plum colored; case shows little wear, prominent small ding to lower-left perimeter of rear; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2400
-
$3200
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Aurora, Grade 10, 17J with original but inaccurate "15 Ruby Jewels" marking as is typical to the open face version of this grade, 18S, gold-filled OF recase with attractive engraving detail to rear including a small idyllic mountain-side home scene, case guarantee paper bearing matching case serial number within rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, two-tone checkerboard and snowflake pattern gilt and nickel damascene, s#101176. A rare watch, the total production of the 17 jewel Grade 10 is believed to be 300 made with all examples found in a single run spanning serial numbers 101001 to 101300. The Grade 10 was Aurora's finest quality movement. All examples of this grade were marked as "15 Ruby Jewels," but this marking is incorrect to the open face version of the grade which has an actual jewel count of 17 due to the presence of a jeweled fifth pinion, while the hunting case version of the grade are correctly marked 15 jewel movements without a fifth pinion.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent two-tone color, scattered fine scratches, few tiny dark spots to plates, few small bits of oxide to regulator assembly; dial with group of hls below seconds-register at 1, few additional hls elsewhere, edge chip at 1:30, mild hand rub within seconds-register, scattered small edge flakes under bezel, "55" minute numeral is inexplicably black colored while other minute numerals are red; excellent hands, hour and minute with some areas of finish loss, minute with oxide to center hub, seconds-hand with mild bend to its tail; case shows little wear, cuvette with long scratches from past slipped openings, no dents or dings, good engine turning and engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$800
-
$1400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Ball Illinois, Official Standard, Grade 810, 23J, 16S, white gold-filled OF Ball Official RR Standard stirrup bow original case with very attractive pattern engraving detail to rear, white enamel SS dial, distinctive skeletonized Ball Illinois style hands, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, bull's-eye pattern nickel damascene, s#B801923. A particularly nice example of this desirable top grade railroad watch.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces with scattered micro-fine scratches; flawless dial; excellent-plus hands, small bit of oxide to tip of minute; case shows hardly any wear, no dents or dings, excellent engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1600
-
$2400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Columbus, Columbus King with rare angled train dial, 17J, 18S, gold-filled HC recase, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#367746. The dial of this watch features a scene of a train passing in front of a lake set in a mountainous landscape, and the front of the locomotive is marked "New Columbus King" with watch style hour and minute hands dividing the mid-point of this marking. These angled train dials are very scarce and were paired with some of the late 17 jewel examples of the Columbus King and Columbus Railway King grades. This same dial style was used for both of these grades, though the dials paired with "Columbus King" movements had the word "Railway" polished off so as to match the movement marking and the remains of the word "Railway" often remain evident as seen with this example.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few scattered micro-fine scratches, some screw heads with areas of finish loss and/or oxide; dial with some hls at upper perimeter of center section and associated tiny surface flake at upper-left perimeter of center section, outer chapter hls between 3 and 4; fine hands with areas of oxide and finish loss; case front lift spring is weak allowing lid to tilt back most the way toward closed with gravity, case shows medium wear, ding to right perimeter of rear with corresponding ding to cuvette, numerous scattered nicks to band, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with a few areas of full loss, some small bits of wear to brass to rear shoulder, wear to brass to portions of pendant; tight bow, crown shows ample wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Veritas, Grade 214, 23J, 18S, heavy 14K gold OF original case with five-knuckle hinges, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, ornate nickel damascene, s#13425300. Gross weight of assembled watch 96.3 dwt (149.8 g).
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly and out of beat after a twist to start, overhaul recommended, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches; excellent dial with small edge flake under bezel near 1; fine hands of mismatched colors, hour and minute are blue and have some oxide and finish loss to spades and tips, seconds-hand is a black replacement; case shows little wear, few tiny nicks, no dents; tight bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystal with some glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$2400
-
$2800
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Grade 446, very rare variant that is not marked "C.H. Hulburd," 19J, 12S, 18K white gold OF original "Lord Elgin III" case with magnificent fine engine turning detail to rear, gold cuvette with signature ring, inner rear and inner cuvette with elegant acid etched pattern, elegant tall bow and unusually shaped and engraved crown, unusual deep gray metal dial with gold Arabic numerals in radial orientation and gold Elgin signature, SW-SS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, wheel satin nickel finish, s#19999817. Gross weight of assembled watch 34.4 dwt (53.5 g). The Grade 446 is nearly always encountered with a C.H. Hulburd movement signature, and this is only the second example that we have encountered that is without C.H. Hulburd marking. Also notably both these examples are from the early portion of the first Grade 446 run, and both watches have a "Lord Elgin III" signature within their cases as opposed to the typical C.H. Hulburd case marking. After this apparent very small initial output of "unmarked" examples, the Grade 446 was to carry the C.H. Hulburd marking in honor of Elgin Watch Co. President, Charles H. Hulburd. Per an excellent research thread on the NAWCC message board, the original pricing of the C.H. Hulburd ranged between $300 and $750 depending on case material and on style of case and dial. In all, a phenomenal piece for the 12 size Elgin collector!
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few scattered micro-fine scratches to plates, some small spots of oxide to larger winding wheel and regulator spring; dial with fine scratch to right of 7 and extending over to above 5, some small surface spots and small fine scratches elsewhere, some darkened areas at perimeter; excellent hands; case shows virtually no wear, cuvette with fine scratches from slipped past openings, few pinpoint nicks to band, no dents or dings, exquisite engine turning detail; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1600
-
$2600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Convertible model, Grade 50, 15J, 16S, 14K gold drum style original MB (Margot Brothers) HC, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#1155399. Gross weight of assembled watch 84.4 dwt (131.4 g). An attractive gold drum style case with a pleasing in-hand presence.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, fully wound, will tick weakly with a twist and some excess pressure held to crown, occasionally will continue ticking very weakly for some time after, overhaul needed, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some toning, scattered micro-fine scratches, and some scattered small surface nicks and spots, train bridge with one mismatched blue screw; dial with light blue hls above 4 and at 7, few additional very faint hls elsewhere; excellent hands, minute with mild bends near midpoint and at tip; case shows light wear, case shows very light wear, no dents or dings, reduced engraving detail, front and rear shoulders with some areas of micro-fine slivers of visibility to underlying planchet seams, case front lift spring not contacting lid quite to fully opened position allowing lid to tilt somewhat back toward closed with gravity; tight bow thinned at top, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1700
-
$2200
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Father Time with rare BLE (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers) dial, Grade 252, 21J, 18S, nickel OF recase, white enamel DS dial with locomotive scene above center, "B L E" and a railroad style lantern within seconds-register, both the locomotive scene and the seconds-register markings with gold foil, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, nickel damascene, s#8833337. A rare and beautiful dial for the railroad watch collector.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, scratch from escape wheel jewel setting extending to near the adjacent plate screw, remainder of mvt with some typical fine to micro-fine scratches and small surface nicks, some very minor bits of oxide to regulator assembly; excellent dial with short scratch near edge under 3, small edge chip and adjacent line of edge rub under bezel near 7:30; fine hands, minute with finish loss to spade and tip, seconds-hand with oxide; case shows light wear, scattered fine scratches, abrasions and dings, some marring to upper-left rear shoulder at reeding; misshapen bow pivots freely and has numerous surface mars, crown shows little wear and has some excess up/down and side-to-side play; good thick glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
-
$1300
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, B.W. Raymond with rare Santa Fe logo dial, Grade 571, 21J, 16S, gold-filled OF original Elgin marked case, Montgomery white enamel SS dial with Santa Fe logo above "Elgin" marking, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with Elginium hairspring, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#J376194. A superb example of this rare and desirable railroad marked dial.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright plates with few micro-fine scratches, oxide to regulator assembly, balance jewel cap, and some screw heads; virtually flawless dial with few negligible micro-fine surface scratches; fine hands with oxide; case shows very little wear, some small nicks to band, no dents; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1200
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, 17J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with beautiful engine turning and engraving detail, fancy white and pink enamel SS dial with gold foil decorations, fancy gilt Louis XV style hands, SW-SS, nickel damascene, s#16310216. This watch is highlighted by its beautiful case and dial, both in superb condition.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly after a reluctant start, overhaul recommended, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, few small bits of oxide to larger winding wheel, mismatched case screws; dial with two light perimeter hls outside minute chapter near 9:30, small edge flakes under bezel at 9:30 and 1; excellent hands; case shows hardly any wear, mild small ding to band near 1, some scattered nicks elsewhere to band, excellent engine turning and engraving detail, case rear opens somewhat short of 90 degrees (to approximately 75 degrees); tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$200
-
$400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, 7J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with beautiful engine turning and engraving detail, fancy cream colored SS dial with blue signature and markings, gold foil minute markers, SW-SS, nickel damascene, s#20486558. This watch is highlighted by its beautiful case and dial, both in superb condition.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, train bridge with discolored spot, few fine scratches; excellent dial with small scratch near 4, few long micro-fine scratches; excellent hands, minute with oxide near tip; case shows hardly any wear, no dents or dings, superb engine turning and engraving detail, case front opens a bit short of 90 degrees (to approximately 80 degrees); tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$200
-
$400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, 11J, "Constant, St. Louis" marked mvt, "Mermod Jaccard & Co, St. Louis" marked dial, 18S, nickel OF display case with Hamilton marked bezels, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#23498. A very rare watch, Hamilton's total production of 11 jewel movements was very limited and the total production of this nickel damascene open face version is estimated to be only 94 made.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, some scattered micro-fine scratches, oxide to regulator assembly; dial with some scattered light hls, some perimeter rub under bezel; fine hands, oxide to spade of hour, finish loss to seconds-hand; case shows light wear, some fine scratches and small nicks, no dents; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystals with some glue excess evident at their seats.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$3000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 950, 23J, 16S, heavy 14K gold OF original Hamilton case, gold cuvette with signature ring, white enamel DS dial, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#1020323. Comes as pictured with its original fitted wooden box which contains certificate bearing movement and case serial numbers correctly matched to the present watch. Gross weight of assembled watch 66.2 dwt (102.9 g). A superb gold cased example of this top quality grade, complete with its rarely seen original box and certificate.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some typical small micro-fine scratches, winding wheels with few small specks of oxide; virtually flawless dial with some mild micro-fine scratches; nearly mint hands; case shows very little wear, no dents or dings, good engine turning detail; tight bow, crown shows very light wear; good glass crystal; box in excellent cosmetic condition overall, few mild marks to exterior, interior fabric with some wear.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$2600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 993, 21J, 16S, 14K multicolor gold HC recase with beautiful engraving detail including a standing buck to rear standing within a multicolor floral frame, front with rose gold shield within a multicolor floral frame, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, nickel damascene, s#712348. Gross weight of assembled watch 71.2 dwt (110.5 g). A beautiful case with strikingly vibrant multicolor detail.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, few small spots of oxide to winding wheels; dial with two light outer chapter hls at 7, few scattered fine scratches; fine hands, hour and minute are black, seconds-hand is blue; case shows hardly any wear, small ding to front shield, superb engine turning and engraving detail, case front opens a bit wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 105 degrees) and front closes leaving some gap to band; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1800
-
$2400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 994, 21J, 16S, 14K gold OF original Hamilton case, gold cuvette with signature ring, fancy white enamel SS dial with blue signature and seconds-register markings, gold foil numerals with gold foil surrounds, gold foil decorations, red glass insets at the 15-minute positions, gilt hands, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, fishscale pattern nickel damascene, s#1155373. Gross weight of assembled watch 58.6 dwt (91.3 g). A very attractive high grade movement, the total production of the lever-set version of the Grade 994 was only 800 made. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running after a twist to start, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, few very mild micro-fine scratches; dial with hl at 4:30; fine hands, minute is somewhat short and has oxide to its tip, hour and seconds-hand with scattered oxide spots; case shows medium wear, dent to upper rear; tight bow, brass replacement crown shows hardly any wear; clean plastic crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1800
-
$2400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 992 with rare 14K gold factory case, 21J, 16S, 14K gold Hamilton Model 2 bar-over-crown recase, Montgomery white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#2473554. Gross weight of assembled watch 68.9 dwt (107.2 g). This Model 2 case in 14K gold version is very rare as Hamilton's pricing of this style limited its sales to a small handful of wealthy customers. To this cataloguer's eye the color of the present case appears to be somewhere intermediate between a yellow gold and a green gold shade.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches, mild oxide to regulator spring and hub of larger winding wheel; flawless dial; nearly mint hands; case shows very light wear, profuse micro-fine scratches to rear, dings to band at 5:30 and 6, subtle slight ding near center rear evident as mild ripple of reflection, inner rim of case rear has a single set of additional mvt case screw witness marks which match to Hamilton's Grade 992B positions; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good thick glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1400
-
$2000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 922 Masterpiece, 23J, 12S, 18K gold OF original Hamilton case with initials to rear, signature banner inside rear, gold cuvette with 1931 Sherwin Williams Co. presentation, silvered dial with applied gold numerals, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, bull's-eye pattern nickel damascene, s#3012174. Gross weight of assembled watch 41.4 dwt (64.6 g). An excellent example of this top grade dress watch that comes with its original Hamilton box with certificate bearing an original $250 price (a staggering sum in depression era America) and a correctly matched marking of movement and case serial numbers. Watch also comes with a small Hamilton "The Care of Your Watch" booklet as well as with an 8.5 inch gold-filled chain as pictured.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, crown must be given a bit of downward pressure while turning or winding will disengage, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some whitish toning of plate surfaces, some typical mild fine to micro-fine scratches; nearly flawless dial with few very mild micro-fine scratches and minuscule surface spots; nearly mint hands; case shows little wear, some marring to rear opening lip giving it some small sharp points, ding to lower rear perimeter, few mild lesser dings to upper rear perimeter, good engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal; box shows light wear with some typical exterior scratches and abrasions. Chain shows ample wear with majority of its surfaces worn through to brass.
ESTIMATE:
$1400
-
$1800
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Mermod & Jaccard's St. Louis Paragon Time-Keeper" with hourglass image to mvt and dial, Grade 943, 21J, 18S, gold-filled original HC with attractive engine turning and engraving detail, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, narrow stripe pattern nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws and regulator assembly, mirrored gilt disk surrounding balance jewel setting, s#239012. A beautiful original example of this rare watch. The "Paragon Time-Keeper" was made by Hamilton for Mermod & Jaccard in four grades of 21 jewel movement (940, 941, 942 and 943) as well as two grades of 17 jewel movement (926 and 927), and these watches have a unique appearance with their distinctive hourglass logo to dial and movement. The Grade 942 and Grade 943 version are the finest quality of these "Paragon Time-Keeper" grades and are the only version to feature gilt screws and trim. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, scratch to plate between edge of regulator index and plate edge, few mild micro-fine scratches elsewhere; nearly flawless dial with fine scratch at signature and few micro-fine scratches elsewhere; nearly mint hands; case shows hardly any wear, some fine scratches to exterior, notch filed to opening lip of rear lid and some marring to remainder of rear opening lip, some fine scratches to cuvette from slipped past openings, no dents or dings, excellent engine turning and engraving detail; bow pivots semi-freely, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1200
-
$1800
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 400, 21J, 12S, 18K yellow gold OF original Hamilton case by Solidarity, signature banner inside rear, gold cuvette with 1934 presentation engraving, silvered dial, SW-SS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, DeLong style five tooth click, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#H1562. Gross weight of assembled watch 39.2 dwt (60.9 g). An elegant high grade watch, a portion of Hamilton's Grade 400 production was offered in four different styles of 18K gold factory cases and these examples of the Grade 400 cased in 18K were advertised as the "Tycoon Series." The case style of the present watch was known as the "Nobel," and this model was the rarest of the four Tycoon Series cases with a total production of only 85 examples in yellow gold and 53 examples in green gold.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some typical mild micro-fine scratches; nearly flawless dial with few pinpoint dark spots in visible portion, some perimeter scrape under bezel; excellent hands; case shows little wear, few short scratches near rear center, profuse micro-fine scratches throughout, small marring to band adjacent opening lip of rear, no dents or dings; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1300
-
$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 946 with very rare Ferguson dial, 23J, 18S, nickel OF display recase, Ferguson style white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, ornate nickel damascene, s#550620. This watch is highlighted by its eye-catching and original Ferguson dial in very rarely seen true double-sunk format. The more commonly seen original Ferguson dial style is a one-piece dial with impressed seconds-register and center section, with a signature above center of "Ferguson Dial Patented for Hamilton Watch," and with a "Swiss Made" marking and series of international patent dates to its reverse. The present dial differs notably in its true double-sunk construction with soldered dial segments, with its "Hamilton" signature above center in combination with "Ferguson Dial Patented" around center, and with no markings to its reverse. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some typical scattered mild micro-fine scratches to plates, escape wheel jewel setting with numerous small mars; nearly flawless dial with only a very small edge chip or nick under bezel near 7:30; case shows light wear, some scattered nicks, some scattered tarnish spots; tight brass replacement bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystals with some scattered scratches and surface nicks.
ESTIMATE:
$1200
-
$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Trade Mark A.K. Jobe RR Standard" marked dial, "A.K. Jobe, Jackson, Tenn. Water Valley, Miss." marked mvt, Grade 940, 21J, 18S, silver-filled (silver over a nickel core) OF swingout recase, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, nickel damascene, s#156219. A rare and very interesting railroad grade private label, the viewer is struck immediately by the immense similarity of its dial design and signature to the style typical of Ball Watch Co. "Official RR Standard" watches. This similarity of dial styles raises the interesting question of whether this dial for A.K. Jobe was created with the knowledge and consent of Webb C. Ball, but we are not aware of any documentation that sheds light on this question. Consistent with the small number of other A.K. Jobe marked Hamilton Grade 940/941 watches we've encountered, this example is listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as having been sold to distributor J.W. Forsinger of Chicago, with this particular serial number showing a sales date of May 24th, 1901.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with very few micro-fine scratches, some marring to balance cock foot around screw, minor oxide to regulator assembly; dial with light hl at 11:30, very faint hl at 11 and below seconds-register at 6, light hand rub within seconds-register, small edge flake under bezel at setting lever, some edge rub under bezel at 6; fine hands with oxide; case shows medium wear, a moderate overall patina with a few splotches of darker tarnish, some fine scratches and abrasions to rear, scratch at right perimeter of rear, mild dent to edge at 7, ding to center-right of rear, scattered lesser dings and nicks to rear with most at shoulder and edge; tight bow, crown shows ample wear and has some excess up/down play and will pull out completely with little effort; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1200
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 939, 17J, 18S, gold-filled HC recase with very attractive engraving detail, front with majestic standing buck scene and rear with mill scene, both scenes set against a mountainous backdrop, fancy white and light blue enamel SS dial with extensive foil decorations in two shades of gold, red glass inset above signature, SW-LS, ornate nickel damascene, s#9910. An attractive early high grade Hamilton, highlighted by a spectacular and nearly flawless early fancy dial. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with few small micro-fine scratches, some surface dirtiness, regulator assembly with few small bits of oxide, mismatched case screws; nearly flawless dial with only a few minuscule pinpoint edge nicks under bezel; nearly mint hands; case shows light wear, dent to front adjacent buck's standing front leg, prominent ding to lower perimeter of front above hinge, few additional lesser dents and dings elsewhere, reduced engraving detail, spots of wear to brass to pendant, bezel is worn entirely to brass, inner surface of cuvette is worn nearly entirely to brass, case front and rear open somewhat wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 100 degrees and 105 degrees, respectively), case front with a bit of play at its hinge and also needing some assistance to release from latch when opening; bow pivots freely and very loose with substantial excess play within pendant sockets, crown shows medium wear with ridge break; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
-
$1100
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 992 marked "Special," 21J, 16S, nickel OF display recase with Illinois Watch Co. marked bezels, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, ornate two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, s#703660. A rare and very attractive watch, this example is highlighted by the superb preservation of its movement's two-tone color. This particular serial number is listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as having been sold on December 28th, 1907 to the Non-Retailing Co. of Lancaster, PA and is from a group of fifty consecutive serial numbers (703651 to 703700) listed as Special Finish movements and of which forty-eight were sold to Non Retailing Co..
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking very sluggishly on a full wind, overhaul recommended, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, superb two-tone color, short fine scratch and small marring adjacent balance jewel setting screws, chattered fine to micro-fine scratch crossing left side of train bridge beginning at case screw position, two nearby pinpoint nicks to inner rim of train bridge, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere, oxide to regulator assembly, few tiny bits of oxide to winding wheels; fine hands, hour and seconds-hand are blue, minute hand is a black colored replacement, seconds-hand with oxide; case shows very little wear, mar to lip of bezel near 2 creating a small sharp edge, excellent marking detail; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; glass crystals with different edge profiles, front with scattered fine scratches, rear with glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, 7J, 18S, nickel OF recase, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, gilt mvt, s#2798. A scarce watch, total production of the 7 jewel Hamilton was 1000 made with all examples produced in a single run between serial numbers 2001 and 3000.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, good gilt tone, few scattered small dark spots to main plate, uneven tone to regulator index, mismatched case screws; dial with faint hl below seconds-register near 5, few negligible flakes to edges of seconds-register, perimeter rub under bezel; excellent hands of mismatched style, hour is closed morning glory style while minute is open morning glory style, tip of minute with oxide; case shows light wear, crudely scribed markings within rear, crudely scribed name and 1901 presentation to cuvette, scattered fine scratches and abrasions to rear, minor marring to band adjacent rear lip, ding to band at 6, few dings to rear, many scattered nicks to bezel and band; tight bow, crown shows light wear and has some up/down play; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$850
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 936, low serial #862, 17J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel DS dial with Independent Order of Odd Fellows associated overpainting added to its surface, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#862. A good looking three-digit serial movement, this watch is listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as having been sold June 28th, 1894 to S. Eastman & Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. From the Estate of Henry Betjemann of Bradenton, Florida.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, small ding near upper case screw position, small patch of pinpoint nicks adjacent barrel arbor, some typical scattered micro-fine scratches elsewhere, black color loss to s# marking; dial with edge chip at setting lever area, outer chapter hl at 5:30, few small scratches within seconds-register, areas of loss to Odd Fellows overpainting detail; excellent hands of mismatched color, hour is blue, minute and seconds-hand are plum colored; case shows light wear, scattered scratches and fine scratches, prominent dent at center rear, dent at lower-left perimeter of rear, prominent circular scratching and scrapes inside rear; tight bow, crown shows light wear; clean plastic crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$400
-
$700
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Cady & Olmstead, Kansas City, MO" marked mvt, Grade 942, 21J, 18S, nickel OF recase with locomotive detail to rear, "Cady & Olmstead" marked white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, bull's-eye pattern nickel damascene, s#48377. An interesting private label with a damascene pattern rarely seen among Grade 942 production. The dial of this example is notable for its similarity to Ball Hamilton dials of this era, and Cady & Olmstead are in fact listed in late 1890s Webb C. Ball advertisements as being authorized agents for Ball Watch Co. products, so presumably Ball was aware of and approving of the similarity of these dial designs. Beyond this, Cady & Olmstead were also active as railroad watch inspectors for a number of lines passing through Kansas City, with an 1899 "Jeweler's Circular" article listing them as inspectors for the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad Co.; the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham Railroad Co.; the Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield Railway Co.; the Current River Railroad Co.; and the Kansas City & Memphis Railway & Bridge Co.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, barrel bridge and balance cock foot with numerous scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, main plate and balance cock table with lesser degree of scattered micro-fine scratches, spot of oxide to one balance jewel setting screw and adjacent area, some mild bits of oxide to regulator assembly; dial with scratch beginning above center and extending to below 1, two hls from edge at 9 extending to upper-left of seconds-register, faint hl above seconds-register, small patched edge chip at 9, short edge scratch at setting lever area, beveling wear of perimeter edge under bezel that is more notable around lower portion; fine hands, hour with oxide and finish loss, seconds-hand with some oxide, minute hand with bend to tip; case shows little wear, small ding to reeding at upper portion of bezel, no dents, good engraving detail, some moderate spotty tarnish; bow pivots freely, crown shows little wear; thick glass crystal with a long fine scratch to right side, some additional scattered scratches elsewhere.
ESTIMATE:
$400
-
$650
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Made Expressly for Fred McIntyre by Hamilton Watch Co" marked mvt, Grade 926, 17J, 18S, nickel OF display recase with Hamilton marked bezels, "Fred McIntyre, So. McAlester, I.T." marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws and regulator assembly, s#153502. A good example of this scarce and notable private label, Fred McIntyre was a jeweler in So. McAlester, Indian Territory (later Oklahoma) and a few years later founded the McIntyre Watch Company.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, numerous fine to micro-fine scratches to balance cock foot, few mild fine to micro-fine scratches and some surface nicks elsewhere to plates, some marring to balance jewel setting and surrounding area, balance cock screw is a replacement of mismatched gilt tone; dial with outer chapter hls between 7 and 8, outer chapter hl below seconds-register at 6; fine hands, minute with finish loss to tip and to portion of spade; case shows light wear, some scattered fine scratches and nicks; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$300
-
$500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "Trade Mark Main Line Special W.M. Stone, Minneapolis, Minn." marked mvt, Grade 934, 17J, 18S, sterling silver OF swingout recase with gold inlaid locomotive detail to rear, "W.M. Stone, Minneapolis, Minn." marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#24620. William M. Stone was an official watch inspector for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis Railroad. On April 27th, 1897, Stone registered U.S. trademark number 29900 for the phrase "Main Line," claiming his business had made continuous use of this phrase since 1895.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, oxide to areas of regulator assembly; dial with two fractures to lower-left portion of center section above 7, small edge nick to inner rim of outer chapter below 11; fine hands, hour and minute are mismatched styles, minute with finish loss to spade; case shows ample wear, some mild dings and nicks around sides, substantially reduced engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows ample wear; thick glass crystal with scattered scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$300
-
$500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, "A.N. Anderson, Standard Time" marked fancy dial, Grade 926, 17J, 18S, silver-filled (silver exterior over a nickel core) OF "Century" swingout recase with gold inlaid locomotive detail to rear, white and yellow enamel SS fancy dial with blue signature and seconds-register markings, gold foil numerals against yellow backgrounds within gold foil surrounds, gold foil minute markers, and gold foil decorations, fancy gilt Louis XV style hands with blue enameled voids, SW-LS, nickel damascene, s#172970. A particularly attractive fancy Hamilton dial.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered micro-fine scratches; dial with hl below seconds-register near 6, light hl above seconds-register, small edge flaking under bezel at 8; excellent hands, minute with some bends to tip; case shows medium wear, some scattered scratches, dings and nicks, reduced engraving detail; nickel replacement bow pivots freely and has some play within larger pendant sockets, crown shows ample wear and gives resistance at times to snapping back down to its lower position after case is closed; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$250
-
$450
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hampden, "Chronometer" marked mvt, 21J, 16S, 14K multicolor gold false box hinge original Solidarity HC with beautiful floral engraving detail, rose gold front shield with initials, scalloped band, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#3328883. Gross weight of assembled watch 70.8 dwt (109.9 g). A beautiful case with superb engraving detail and an impressive in-hand presence.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches; dial with some outer chapter hls, small nicks to rim of seconds-register hole; excellent hands with some small bits of oxide and finish loss; case shows hardly any wear, no dents or dings, excellent engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows light wear; crystal is missing.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$3000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hampden, "The Train Service Special, Wisconsin Central Watch Club, Waukesha, Wis." marked mvt, 17J, 18S, gold-filled HC recase with attractive engraving detail including a locomotive scene to front, an idyllic lakeside home scene to rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, Teske's patent regulator with gold index, gilt mvt screws, s#761181. An interesting and very rare railroad associated private label marking.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, small patch of scratches to plate adjacent "S" marking near regulator index, some fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere and some scattered mild very small surface spots; dial with edge chipping at 3, hl below seconds-register near 6, fading of some of the 5-minute numerals; excellent hands; case shows medium wear, cuvette with some perimeter scratches from slipped past openings, prominent ding to band and adjacent edge of front at 7:30, dent to lower rear with corresponding dent to cuvette, some scattered lesser dings and nicks elsewhere, front lift spring needing assistance to open lid and is allowing opened lid to fall back approximately one-third toward closed with gravity, cuvette with some play at hinge, rear hinge missing one end-cap, front hinge with one marred end-cap, pendant with brass replacement pendant sockets; tight bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystal with a very small edge chip at lower-right, some glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$800
-
$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hampden, Special Railway, 23J, 18S, 4oz coin silver OF Dueber recase with spectacular raised rose gold locomotive detail to rear with diamond inset as locomotive headlamp, locomotive is riding atop raised silver and rose gold rails, rose gold and green gold floral detail below locomotive rails, and scene is framed by a rose gold border, cuvette engraved with name and decorative elements, white enamel DS dial with Canadian market 13 to 24 hour indications, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws, s#1359152. This watch is highlighted by its absolutely spectacular locomotive case, among the most eye-catching we have had the pleasure to handle. The inner case rear is marked with "Pat. Sept. 20, 1881" which matches to the date of Henry Untermeyer's U.S. design patent 12485 which is for this case design, with the text of the patent document description matching the present watch design perfectly as "design for a watch-case herein shown and described, the same consisting of the representation of a locomotive engine and tender upon a railroad-track, with ornamental plants in the foreground, and surrounded by a ring of dots and an ornamental border."
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent two-tone color, area of fine scratches to main plate between balance wheel and edge passing through "way" of "Railway" marking, some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, few small dark spots, balance jewel setting is a brass replacement; dial with faint outer chapter hl at 9:30, tiny edge flake under bezel at setting lever position; fine hands appear to have lost their original finish and been re-colored; case shows very little wear, few fine scratches, no dents or dings, excellent engraving detail; tight nickel replacement bow with some scratches or small mars, crown shows little wear; thick glass crystal with some scattered small scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - E. Howard & Co, Boston, Series VII, 15J, N-S (just over 19S), heavy 14K gold original E.H. & Co. HC with attractive engraving detail including a lakeside sailing scene to center rear, unusual scalloped band with flats at 6 and 12, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, SW-SS, umbrella-style hands, nickel damascene, s#227711. Gross weight of assembled watch 86.6 dwt (134.6 g).
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running after a sluggish start, winding mechanism skipped a few times during operation, overhaul recommended, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, some surface dirtiness evident; dial with hl at 4:30 to right side of seconds-register; nearly mint hands; case shows very light wear, no dents or dings, good engraving detail, all case lids open a bit short of 90 degrees (to approximately 80 degrees); tight bow is canted a bit toward one side, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$2600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - E. Howard & Co, Boston, Series X, 15J, J-S (just under 12S), 14K rose gold OF original E.H. & Co. case, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, fancy gold Louis XV style hands, SW-SS, nickel damascene, s#500352. Gross weight of assembled watch 53.3 dwt (83.2 g). An attractive original example of this scarce watch, total production of the J sized Howard was 1500 made and good original cased examples are challenging to find.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, winding mechanism with few mild slips during winding, crown must be held with upward pressure while setting or it will retract to wind position, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, fine scratch between stem detent screw position and edge of plate above "d" in "Howard," small marring tight around stem detent screw, some micro-fine scratches, regulator spring with areas of discoloration possibly from heating; dial with hl at 5, hl at 6:30, hl above seconds-register; fine hands, minute with small crimp at tip; case shows medium wear, no dents or dings, band with significantly reduced engraving detail including full loss at bottom edge; tight bow, crown shows light to medium wear; glass crystal with edge flake at left side.
ESTIMATE:
$1100
-
$1500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - E. Howard & Co, Boston, Series X, deer grade, 15J, J-S (just under 12S), 14K gold OF original E.H.&Co. case, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial with Arabic numerals in radial orientation, blued umbrella-style hands, SW-SS, nickel damascene, s#500487. Gross weight of assembled watch 46.9 dwt (73.0 g). This example is highlighted by its movement's unusually attractive geometric style nickel damascene finish.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, fully wound, will tick with excess pressure held to crown but balance motion is sluggish and out of beat, overhaul needed, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, minor oxide and pitting to regulator assembly; dial with patched chip at lower-left of seconds-register, fractured segments adjacent left side of seconds-register that appear likely secured with glue, scattered hls, small edge chip under bezel near 7; fine hands with minor oxide, minute stem with finish loss, hour with some bend; case shows little wear, profuse fine to micro-fine scratches to rear, dent to band at 4:30, numerous scattered mild dents to rear and cuvette, small ding to upper-right rear edge; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1100
-
$1500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - E. Howard Watch Co, Boston, made by Waltham, 23J, 16S, gold-filled OF original Howard case with initialed shield to rear, cuvette with signature ring and 1909 Christmas presentation, white enamel DS dial, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel, striped pattern nickel damascene, ornate winding wheel damascene, s#1005032. This 23 jewel bridge model was Waltham's top grade product made for Howard.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with few typical small fine to micro-fine scratches, winding wheels with some small bits of oxide, balance jewel setting with blued replacement screws; virtually flawless dial with only some faint edge rub under bezel; excellent hour and seconds-hand, fine minute hand with finish loss and oxide; case shows ample wear, scattered dings to rear, reduced engine turning detail with ring of full loss to shoulder, strips of wear to brass to bezel, rear perimeter, portions of wear to brass to band and pendant, opened case cuvette falls closed freely with gravity; bow pivots freely, replacement crown shows very little wear and is a bit too large to seat properly within pendant recess; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$400
-
$600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Pennsylvania Special, 21J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase with attractive engine turning and engraving detail, rear shield with initials, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws and regulator assembly, s#1742701. An excellent example of this rare high grade private label; we believe the total production of this 21 jewel 18 size open face Bunn Special grade "Pennsylvania Special" to be only 200 made, with all examples we've seen falling in the 1742701 to 1742800 serial range or the 1934001 to 1934100 serial range. Notably, the present example is the first watch of this first run so by serial number we believe it is the first 21 jewel open face 18 size Illinois Pennsylvania Special produced.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent two-tone color, some typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, some oxide to portions of regulator assembly; dial with light outer chapter hls between 3:30 and 5, light outer chapter hl below seconds-register near 6, short scratch at perimeter of outer chapter near 3, some typical mild fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, some mild perimeter scrape under bezel between 4 and 6 and between 8 and 8:30, few tiny edge nicks under bezel; fine hands with some areas of oxide and finish loss, minute is missing a bit of its tip and with finish loss throughout its spade and the remainder of its tip; case shows very light wear, some scattered nicks to its band and to perimeter edges of bezel and rear, engine turning and engraving detail with mild reduction, sizable spots of wear to brass to pendant; tight bow worn entirely to brass, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
-
$3000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Grade 183, Model 5, 19J, 16S, gold-filled OF original case, "J.M.R." (these initials are for jeweler John M. Roberts of Pittsburgh, PA) marked white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, pinstripe pattern nickel damascene, s#1405705. An exceptionally rare watch, only 7 examples of the 19 jewel version of the Grade 183 were made. At the time Bill Meggers' Illinois Watch Co. book was written, the present watch was the sole known example and this piece is described on page 135 and is pictured on page 146. This watch was also from Bill Meggers' personal collection, and as pictured here comes with his inventory card noting his acquisition of the watch for $175 in 1979, his observations of the watch, and noting all repairs and modifications during his ownership. Interestingly the card notes that the watch came to Bill with a "JMR" marked dial and in 1985 he substituted an "Illinois Watch Co." marked dial. As the watch presently has a "JMR" marked dial (which this cataloger believes is likely its correct dial) it suggests that Bill may have reverted this piece back to its original dial but not updated his inventory card. In all, a terrific piece for the collector of Illinois rarities!
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, intermittently ticks weakly and stops when handled, will tick continuously if excess pressure is held to crown, overhaul needed, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, few mild micro-fine scratches, few small oxide spots to winding wheel, mild oxide to regulator assembly; dial with few light outer chapter hls; fine hands, minute with oxide; case shows light wear, small notch filed in lip of case rear presumably from a past test for gold content, dent to band at 5, scattered dings to band with most notable at 5, some scattered dings to rear, spots of wear to brass to pendant, case rear leaving some gap to band when closed at both sides, case bezel leaving some gap to band when closed at one side; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$2000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special grade mvt private label marked as "Made Especially for E.K. Crothers for Rail Road Service," 23J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, "Illinois Watch Co. Special For Railway Service" marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, two-tone gold inlaid circle pattern nickel damascene, s#1278282. An exceedingly rare watch, the total production of the 23 jewel open face Bunn Special grade with this two-tone gold circle pattern damascene is believed to be only 10 made. The small handful of examples we have encountered have been marked identically to the present watch, so we suspect very likely all ten were made with marking to E.K. Crothers who was the chief watch inspector for the Chicago and Alton Railroad.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, reduced two-tone color, some toning of nickel portions, fine scratch between fourth wheel jewel setting and edge of plate, few lesser fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, balance jewel setting is a brass replacement; dial with outer chapter fractures and scratch at 2, small edge nick under bezel at 2, few scattered small fine scratches and pinpoint surface nicks; fine hands with oxide; case shows medium wear, ding to lower-right perimeter of rear, some scattered nicks, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with areas of full loss, areas of wear to brass to band and pendant; tight bow, crown shows ample wear; glass crystal with some short scratches and nicks.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Grade 189 marked "189 Special," 21J, 16S, gold-filled OF recase, "A.N. Anderson, Minneapolis" marked white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, three finger bridge Getty model mvt, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#1627705. The "189 Special" marking is extremely rare among Illinois Grade 189 production; this is the only open face example we have encountered, and we have only seen two of the hunting case examples.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, overhaul recommended, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, some scattered small fine to micro-fine scratches, some small bits of oxide to winding wheel and regulator spring, portion of regulator with fine scratch striations from sanding; dial with light hl above seconds-register, light outer chapter hl at 1, few scattered fine scratches and tiny surface nicks, few small edge flakes under bezel; excellent hands with some areas of finish loss; case shows ample wear, some dings and shallow dents to rear, scattered dings to band, majority of band is worn through to brass, pendant with sizable areas of wear to brass, bezel and perimeter of rear with areas of wear to brass; tight brassy bow, crown shows substantial wear; plastic crystal with scattered fine scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Chesapeake & Ohio Special, 17J, 18S, gold-filled OF case, "R.C. Acton & Son, Alexandria, VA" marked white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws and regulator assembly, s#1248366. A rare and desirable railroad marking, the movement of this example is from a run of Bunn grade production.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches and mild very small surface spots, balance jewel setting with one mismatched screw; dial with small patched chip to inner rim of outer chapter below 1, scattered outer chapter fractures and hls, small flake to left rim of center hole, edge flake at setting lever area, small edge chip under bezel at 1:30; fine hands, minute with oxide to its fleur-de-lis; case shows medium wear, some small nicks, no dents, strips of wear to brass following portions of band seams; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; good thick glass crystal with glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$1500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Illini, 21J, 13S, 18K white gold OF original Illinois case by Solidarity with black enamel inlay to bezel and rear perimeter, initials to rear, gold cuvette with signature ring and 1927 presentation engraving, refinished silvered dial with applied gold numerals, SW-SS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, DeLong style five tooth click, striped pattern nickel damascene, s#3868989. Gross weight of assembled watch 36.5 dwt (56.6 g). An elegant example of this high grade men's dress watch, Illinois factory marked cases are quite rare in 18K and even more so in 18K with enamel inlay.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches, larger winding wheel with few very small bits of oxide at perimeter; refinished dial with some mild surface marks and spots; excellent hands, hour with mild bend to tip; case shows very little wear, fine scratches to rear with the most notable extending from upper perimeter into center-left of initial detail, ding to upper rear perimeter, excellent engraving detail, enameling virtually fully intact with only a tiny flake at upper-left rear; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; clean plastic crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1100
-
$1400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, "Montgomery Ward & Co." marked mvt and dial, 24J, 18S, nickel OF recase, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#1415139. This 24 jewel "Montgomery Ward & Co." marked watch is quite rare though its actual production figure is not known.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, two fine scratches to barrel bridge below jewel setting, few small fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with outer chapter hl at 9:30, some faint additional hls elsewhere, small flake at center to right of hands, some mild hand rub to seconds-register perimeter; excellent hands, seconds-hand tail with mild bend; case shows light wear, scattered fine scratches, small ding to band at 5, some scattered pinpoint nicks, moderate overall tarnish with few scattered darker spots; tight bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystal with few pinpoint nicks to upper perimeter.
ESTIMATE:
$800
-
$1300
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Sangamo Special, unmarked 60 Hour, 23J, 17S, white gold-filled OF original Sangamo Special rigid bow case, cuvette with signature ring, white enamel DS 17S dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, broad transverse band pattern nickel damascene, s#4720172. An attractive example of this top grade railroad watch which is highlighted by its particularly nice rigid bow case.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, balance cock with few fine scratches, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere, few small specks of oxide to regulator spring and winding wheels; dial with outer chapter hls at 6, 9, and 10, two edge flakes under bezel at 2, negligible minuscule nick to upper rim of seconds-register; excellent hands, oxide to tip of minute; case shows very little wear, few pinpoint nicks to band at 5 and to adjacent perimeter of bezel and rear, no dents, excellent engraving detail; rigid bow with excellent engraving detail, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
-
$1000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Ariston, M.F. & Co., USA, 23J, 16S, gold-filled OF original M.F. & Co. Ariston case, "Ariston, U.S.A." marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#1977907. An excellent triple signed example of this elegant private label which is quite rare in top grade versions such as this. The Ariston was a private label of Marshall Field & Co. and was offered in a range of 16 size, 12 size, and pendant watch sized grades.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, few micro-fine scratches, thin strip of rub to perimeter of train bridge at left side; dial with light outer chapter hls between 1 and 2, few extremely faint hls above seconds-register; excellent hands; case shows light wear, deep notches filed to band of case underneath bezel at each of the hour positions, two deep scratches inside rear at right perimeter presumably from a past test for gold content, prominent ding to front of band and adjacent position of bezel near 10:30, ding toward lower-right perimeter of rear, some additional lesser dings and nicks elsewhere, tiny specks of wear to brass to reverse of pendant; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$600
-
$1000
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, 24J, 18S, gold-filled HC recase with unusual engraving detail of a lyre with an open plain book in front, lyre with book having a small idyllic lakeside scene to rear, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#1347865.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, winding slipping occasionally, setting is functional in counterclockwise direction but slips out of engagement when clockwise setting is attempted, overhaul recommended, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, small patch of abrasion below balance wheel near center, few scattered small dark spots and fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere to plates, substantial oxide to regulator assembly; dial with few scattered hls and fine surface scratches, two tiny nicks to inner edge of outer chapter between 9 and 10, scattered edge flakes under bezel; fine hands with minor oxide, finish loss to tip of minute; case shows very light wear, dent to upper-left rear shoulder near edge, few shallow dents to cuvette near shoulder, few scattered small nicks, engraving detail with mild reduction, slivers of wear to brass to raised lip at edge of front and rear, case front opens slightly wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 100 degrees); tight bow, crown shows medium wear with ridge break; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
-
$950
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, 24J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, jeweled barrel arbor, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#1538689.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with few micro-fine scratches, mild oxide to regulator assembly; dial with chip at center hole below hands, few scattered light outer chapter hls, scattered tiny nicks and fine to micro-fine scratches, small edge flake under bezel near 10:30, areas of edge rub under bezel; fine hands; case shows medium wear, no dents or dings, reduced engraving detail with some areas of full loss; tight bow, crown shows medium wear with ridge break; glass with small edge chip at 7.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$700
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Sangamo, 23J, 16S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel, bright spotted pattern nickel damascene, s#2185558.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few micro-fine scratches, some haze around portions of barrel bridge markings; dial with outer chapter hls below seconds-register at 5:30; excellent hands of mismatched colors, minute with oxide to tip, hour and minute hand are plum colored, seconds-hand is blue; case shows medium wear, shallow compression type dent to lower rear center, ding to band at 2:30, additional lesser scattered dings and nicks to band, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with areas of full loss to bezel and to rear shoulder; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; glass crystal with glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$300
-
$450
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Rockford, Grade 505 (marked), 21J, 16S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel DS dial with Canadian market 13 to 24 hour numerals, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, large polished steel disk surrounding escape wheel jewel setting, gold jewel settings, gold train, mvt marked "RG" denoting Railroad Grade, spiral pattern nickel damascene, s#593932. A rare and beautiful movement with a total production of only 230 made. The Grade 505 and its hunting case equivalent Grade 500 were Rockford's finest quality 16 size movements.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with few micro-fine scratches, winding wheels and regulator assembly with oxide, larger winding wheel hub with fine scratch striations from a past sanding; dial with outer chapter hls at 6 and 7:30, small flaw to inner rim of outer chapter near 12:30; fine hands with some areas of oxide; case shows light wear, scratches to rear perimeter and to band suggesting possibility of a past attempt to open with a blade, scattered dings to band with the most prominent at 8:30 and numerous nicks throughout band, engine turning detail reduced at shoulders, bezel leaving a narrow gap to band in areas when threaded tight; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$1500
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Seth Thomas, Maiden Lane, 25J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase with beautiful rear engraving of an eagle with outstretched wings perched atop an initialed shield and set against a background of stars, white enamel DS impressed dial with Canadian market 13 to 24 hour numerals, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third and fourth wheels, jeweled barrel arbor, ornate two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, s#351043. A scarce top grade, per the information at Eric Unselt's www.seththomasresearch.com website it is believed that in total approximately 720 of the 25 jewel Maiden Lane were produced.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, good two-tone color, patch of fine scratches to area below "25 Jewels" marking, some additional scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, few small surface spots, some mars to balance cock surface at area of regulator seat; dial with some hls to lower portion with the most prominent crossing between 4:30 and 7, some hand rub within seconds-register, small patched edge chips under bezel at 5:30 and near 8, edge flake under bezel at 7, small area of brown discoloration of perimeter at 2; fine hands, hour and minute with finish loss to tips; case shows light wear, bezel with scattered scratches and nicks, no dents, reduced engraving detail, small bits of wear to brass to pendant; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; glass crystal with small edge chip at upper-left.
ESTIMATE:
$1600
-
$2400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Seth Thomas, "Special Motor Service" marked mvt and dial, 17J, Model 5, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel DS impressed dial, SW-LS, two-tone gilt and nickel damascene, s#222866. An interesting and rare movement marking, per the information at Eric Unselt's www.seththomasresearch.com website it is believed that in total approximately 200 examples of the "Special Motor Service" were produced.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly on a full wind, overhaul recommended, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, superb two-tone color, some fine scratches adjacent lower case screw, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with patched edge chip under bezel at 9, hl under bezel between 9 and 10, small edge flake under bezel near 8, few fine scratches within seconds-register; case shows medium wear, small deep ding to band near 10, reduced engraving detail, slivers of wear to brass to band, some wear to brass to pendant; tight brassy bow is somewhat out of shape, crown shows ample wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$300
-
$600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - South Bend, Grade 294 (marked), 21J, 16S, gold-filled original South Bend "Panama" HC with attractive engraving detail including lakeside scenes to its front and rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, sunburst pattern nickel damascene, s#490013. Comes as pictured with a purple silk "The South Bend Watch" marked wrap. An uncommon and very attractive top grade watch; the Grade 294 and its open face equivalent the Grade 295 were South Bend's finest quality early 16 size products. The total production of the Grade 294 was 1500 made.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, fine scratch between escape wheel jewel setting and edge of plate, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with hl below seconds-register at 6, fine scratch above 2, few pinpoint surface nicks; excellent hands; case shows light to medium wear, ding to band at 5, scattered lesser dings and nicks elsewhere to band and to perimeters of front and rear, reduced engine turning and engraving detail, case front and rear closing with areas of gap to band; tight bow, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal with some glue excess at its seat. Purple wrap shows light wear, some minor fraying to its reverse.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$700
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Stephen Van Wyck, New York, verge fusee presumably of English manufacture and marked for this early American retailer, 56mm, silver OF original pair cases bearing London hallmarks for 1801, "T C" marking in cameo for casemaker Thomas Carpenter, replaced white enamel dial, KWKS (key not included with this lot), verge escapement, gilt mvt with pierced and foliate scrolled balance cock with an urn at its neck, s#2398. An attractive contract marked watch for this early American retailer; in the context of early American history the 1801 case hallmark date aligns with the end of the term of office for the second U.S. President, John Adams, and the beginning of the term of office for the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson. Although the present watch is presumably of fully English manufacture, we have chosen to present it among the American portion of this auction's offerings due to its primary interest being its early American contract marking. Regarding Stephen Van Wyck, the following information is available at Richard Newman's excellent www.colonialwatches.com website, "Stephen Van Wyck was listed as a silversmith, clock and watchmaker in New York City directories from 1796-1825. However, it is apparent that he was working in the trade well prior to 1796, minimally by 1792, based upon surviving watches. Van Wyck's shop was located at 267 Pearl Street, just a few doors from the well known Effingham Embree. Upon Embree's retirement in 1797, he continued business at Embree's location advertising in the New-York Daily Advertiser (May 26, 1797) 'successor to Effingham Embree, No. 275 Pearl Street' (Ganczarczyk, 734-741)."
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, ticking in some positions but stopping in others, overhaul needed, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent gilt tone, some typical fine to micro-fine scratches around pillar positions; dial is believed to be a replacement due to presence of additional empty dial foot holes with adjacent witness marks from pinning in mvt's dial plate, present dial cosmetically excellent with some scattered fine scratches, very faint hl right of 9, very small light blue hl at edge at 9 with tiny adjacent edge nick under bezel; excellent hands; outer case shows medium wear, a moderate overall patina with some scattered patches of darker toning, small ding below-right of rear center, few pinpoint nicks elsewhere, button latch good though surface of button is caved in at one area and has an associated small area of surface break; inner case is missing one knuckle from the right side of its bezel hinge and bezel leaving gap to case body when closed along right side, inner case shows light wear, a circumferential indentation, small protruding ding at upper-center of rear, few small nicks elsewhere; bow pivots freely; domed glass bull's-eye crystal has scattered short scratches and has an edge chip near 12.
ESTIMATE:
$500
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$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Dominion Railways, 15J, Model 1883, 18S, gold-filled false box hinge OF recase, case originally was with a glazed observation cover over its mvt but this is no longer present, black and white photo of a woman is inserted inside case rear, white enamel DS dial with Canadian market 13 to 24 hour indications and magnificent colored train image including "Dominion" marking on its tender, SW-LS, frosted and nickel damascene, s#4500781. One of Waltham's most iconic railroad watches, the Waltham "Dominion Railways" features one of the most beautiful dials in American horology. In our experience this frosted and nickel finish version of the Dominion Railways movement is far scarcer than its gilt finish equivalent.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, must be given a touch of downward pressure while winding or crown will lift to setting position, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scratch from left side barrel bridge screw extends to adjacent area of main plate and on to mvt center below balance, some typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with scattered outer chapter hls, scattered edge flaking beneath bezel, hl above seconds-register to center, locomotive scene with excellent color and detail though with a thin sliver of plain white color along its upper-right perimeter which is as-made; fine hands; case originally was with a glazed observation cover over its mvt but this is no longer present, case shows ample wear, denting to rear, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with full loss of majority of rear engine turning, spots of wear to brass to lower boxed portion of band and to pendant, strips of wear to brass to portions of band and to raised lips at perimeter of bezel and rear; tight bow is thinned at top, crown shows ample wear with ridge break; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1600
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$2600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, D. & R.G. Special (Denver & Rio Grande Special) marked mvt and dial, 21J, Model 1892, 18S, gold-filled OF recase with attractive rear engraving detail, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, nickel damascene, gilt regulator assembly, mvt screws, and winding wheel hubs, s#12028512. A rare and desirable double signed railroad marking.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, short scratch adjacent main plate case screw, few mild fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, larger winding wheel with a small oxide spot, few additional tiny specks of oxide elsewhere to winding wheels and regulator assembly; dial with patched chip to inner corner of outer chapter and lower-right corner of center section above 5, patched chip to lower-left corner of center section above 7, small patched edge chip at 3:30, some scattered hls, dial with some looseness to mvt despite all three dial screws being threaded snug (we have not disassembled further to inspect beyond this point); excellent hands, minute with oxide to tip; case shows very little wear, some fine scratches to rear, some small nicks to band, excellent engine turning and engraving detail; bow pivots freely, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1400
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$2600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Riverside Maximus, 21J, Model 1888, 16S, 14K gold OF original case with HWW marking for retailer Hayden W. Wheeler of Maiden Lane, New York, gold cuvette, white enamel DS dial with distinctive script "Waltham A.W.W.Co." signature characteristic to the Model 1888 version of this mvt grade, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, three visible diamond endstones, ornate nickel damascene, s#7000694. Gross weight of assembled watch 68.6 dwt (106.7 g). A scarce and attractive high grade watch, Waltham records show a total production of 851 made of the open face Model 1888 Riverside Maximus.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, few small specks of oxide to larger winding wheel, one balance jewel setting screw is a gilt replacement; excellent dial with few scattered small fine scratches and pinpoint surface nicks; excellent hands, finish loss to portion of hour spade, finish loss to areas of seconds-hand; case shows medium wear, scratches to upper-right rear perimeter from slipped past openings, mild dent to band at 8; tight bow crimped and unevenly thinned to its upper portion, crown shows ample wear; glass crystal with scratch at center.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$2400
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, "Waltham Standard" marked mvt with locomotive image below signature, 19J marked as "19 Ruby Jewels," Model 1892, 18S, gold-filled OF original case with attractive engine turning and engraving detail to rear, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, swirl pattern nickel damascene, gilt mvt screws and regulator assembly, s#10099597. An excellent example of this rare and attractive watch; we believe this Model 1892 "Waltham Standard" to be the only Waltham product to feature a locomotive image on its movement, and we believe its total production is likely only 125 made with all examples found in a single production run spanning serial numbers 10099501 to 10099625.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, scratch between main plate case screw and front portion of locomotive engraving, some typical mild fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere; virtually flawless dial with minuscule speck at upper-left edge of center section, few minimal fine to micro-fine scratches; excellent hands, minute with some finish loss to its spade, point of oxide to its shaft, some oxide to its tip; case shows little wear, mild soft ding to rear above-right of center, good engine turning and engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystal with small edge chip at upper-right, glue excess at its seat.
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1600
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Riverside Maximus, 23J, 16S, 14K gold OF recase, white enamel DS dial with distinctive script "Waltham" signature characteristic to this mvt grade, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, diamond endstones on balance and escape wheel, ornate nickel damascene, s#10587675. Gross weight of assembled watch 52.2 dwt (81.2 g).
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, spot of oxide to perimeter of larger winding wheel, few specks of oxide elsewhere to winding wheels and regulator spring; dial with scattered outer chapter hls; fine hands, minute with oxide and finish loss to its perimeter and tip, seconds-hand with areas of finish loss; case shows light wear, mild dent to lower-left edge of rear and scattered dings around rear perimeter; tight 10K gold replacement bow of differing gold tone, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1100
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$1300
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Vanguard with winding indicator, Model 1892, 23J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel quadruple-sunk dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, diamond endstone, jeweled barrel, checkerboard center pattern nickel damascene, s#16140889.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good winding indicator function, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates with some scattered pinpoint nicks and fine to micro-fine scratches, small spot of finish loss to main plate right of signature, small scratches adjacent balance jewel setting, minor oxide to regulator assembly and winding wheels; dial with some outer chapter hls, tiny nicks to winding indicator recess and some tiny adjacent hls, minor edge rub under bezel; excellent hands; case with extra lever set slot at 2, case shows medium wear, some nicks to pendant, no dents, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with areas of full loss, few tiny subtle spots of wear to brass to pendant, few strips of wear to brass within rear; slightly brassy bow pivots freely, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1100
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Vanguard with winding indicator, Model 1892, 21J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, white enamel quadruple-sunk dial, SW-LS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, jeweled barrel, diamond endstone, checkerboard center pattern nickel damascene, s#16188426.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good winding indicator function aside from hand being a bit out of index, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, scattered micro-fine scratches to plates and larger winding wheel, few spots of oxide to winding wheels and regulator assembly, missing one case screw; dial with patched edge chip at 4, group of light outer chapter hls between 7 and 8; excellent hour and seconds-hand, fine minute hand with minor oxide, fair winding indicator hand with substantial oxide; case with extra lever slot at 2, case shows light wear, few dings to rear, ding to band at 9, scattered nicks to band, ding to front of pendant, reduced engine turning and engraving detail, inner rear with large portion of wear to brass; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
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$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Riverside Maximus, 23J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with beautiful engine turning and engraving detail of fuchsia-like flowers, front shield with initials, cuvette with '04 presentation, white enamel DS dial with distinctive script "Waltham" signature characteristic to this mvt grade, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, diamond endstones on balance and escape wheel, jeweled barrel, ornate nickel damascene, s#14072071. A very attractive example throughout.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, winding mechanism occasionally disengaging, setting mechanism nearly always slipping out of engagement with only occasional brief instances of engagement, overhaul needed for normalized winding and setting functions, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces with few small micro-fine scratches, winding wheels with few small to tiny spots of oxide, regulator assembly with few specks of oxide; nearly flawless dial with short perimeter scratch outside minute chapter near 12:30; excellent hands, spot of oxide to minute near tip; case shows hardly any wear, short scratch to upper-left front near shoulder, scratch to band at 9, minor marring to cuvette lip from past slipped openings, mild small dent to band near 11, scattered pinpoint nicks along band, excellent engine turning and engraving detail, cuvette surface is through virtually entirely to brass presumably from a past polishing; tight bow, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$600
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$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Santa Fe Route marked in logo to mvt and dial, Model 1883, 17J, 18S, HC model mvt cased in sidewinder orientation in nickel OF display case, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, ornate nickel damascene, s#5717193. An uncommon and attractive double signed railroad marked watch.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some fine scratches adjacent case screws, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere, some oxide to regulator assembly; dial with outer chapter hls below seconds-register near 6 and 6:30; fine hands, minute with bend to tip, seconds-hand with areas of oxide and finish loss; case has been gold-plated at some time in its past but the high majority of gold-plating has been lost to its exterior surfaces, case with additional lever-set slot at 6, case shows little wear, some fine scratches, some marring to band adjacent bezel opening lip, some scattered nicks; tight gold-filled replacement bow with some wear to brass, crown shows little wear; good front glass crystal, rear glass crystal with small edge nick at right side.
ESTIMATE:
$600
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$900
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DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, Railroader, Model 1888, 17J, 16S, gold-filled OF case with attractive engraving detail to rear including an idyllic church scene, misleading "14K" marking within case, "Railroader Waltham" signed white enamel SS dial with bold Arabic numerals in radial orientation and heavy double track minute chapter, SW-LS, swirled pattern nickel damascene, s#6506524. The Railroader marking is quite rare in the Model 1888, and these are one of the very few Model 1888 movements to have been made as lever-set. This particular example was formerly owned by Illinois Watch Co. author and researcher Bill Meggers and comes with his distinctive inventory card and bag as pictured noting his acquisition of the watch for $450 in 1977 from Roy Ehrhardt, his observations on the watch, and noting all repairs and modifications during his ownership.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, mvt has had an additional case screw added to its train bridge which is a modification that was made at some point post-production and is not factory executed, the recess for this case screw is fairly large and the case screw in this position has a spacer inserted beneath to reach to the adjacent case lip, mvt winding wheel matte finish was restored in 1977 by Bill Meggers as detailed on inventory card, apart from these issues mvt is otherwise in fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some scattered fine to micro-fine scratches and pinpoint surface nicks, short deep scratch adjacent a balance jewel setting screw, oxide to regulator star; dial with scattered hls, cluster of perimeter fractures at 3:30 with some small associated surface flaking, tiny nick to hour track mark at 7, edge chip under bezel at setting lever; excellent hour and minute hands, fine seconds-hand with finish loss and oxide; case shows medium wear, some marring to cuvette at lip, ding to band near 7, some mild shallow dents to rear with little exterior visibility, some shallow dents to cuvette, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with small areas of full loss, few strips of wear to brass to pendant, very thin partial ring of wear to brass to rear edge, very thin strips of wear to brass along ridge tips along band; tight brassy bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$500
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$900
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DESCRIPTION:
PW lot (2) Waltham, "Non-Magnetic" marked mvts with consecutive serial numbers, 15J, Model 1883, 18S, nickel OF display recases, white enamel SS dials in English export market style with "Waltham U.S.A." signature, SW-SS, non-magnetic alloy balance wheels and hairsprings, nickel damascene, s#15663213 and s#15663214. A beautifully matched pair of consecutively serialized English market non-magnetic Waltham watches.
CONDITION:
S#15663213: Mvt: Ticking sluggishly with a bit of error in the round of its balance motion after a twist to start, overhaul recommended, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, small marring tight around upper case screw position, few micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with perimeter hls between 10 and 11; fine hands appear to have been recolored, hour and minute recoloring is well executed, seconds-hand relatively poorly executed and original gilt finish is visible in areas; case shows little wear, few fine scratches and pinpoint nicks, some mild tarnish spotting; tight bow, crown shows little wear; front glass crystal with some small internal edge flakes, rear glass crystal with internal edge chip or flake at top. S#15663214: Mvt: Running after a twist to start, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, fine scratch between upper case screw and balance wheel, some typical lesser fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with hls between 7 and 8, hls between 12 and 1; fine hands appear to have been recolored, hour and minute recoloring is well executed, seconds-hand is a bit less well executed with subtle bits of its original gilt finish evident; case shows little wear, few pinpoint nicks, some mild tarnish spotting; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$300
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$500
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