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
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$2600
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