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
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"