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
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$3600
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