DESCRIPTION:
APW - E Howard & Co, Boston, s#747, the 647th watch produced, assembly #97 throughout, series I, model 1858-A (Geller system), N-S (just over 19S), coin silver unaltered and ideally fitting "JPC" stamped recased HC with American eagle and other letter hallmarks, ET silver cuvette, the locator pin position change on the mvt, KWKS, WE-SSD with two-line script signature, lever escapement no longer with upright pallets, maintaining power spring between the plates, 15J, gilt mvt. Gross weight of assembled watch 92.0 dwt (143.0 g). Our recent accumulated serial and assembly numbers for model 1858 in the lower numbers are s#111-(#11), s#137-(#37), s#175-(#17), s#209-(#34), s#234-(#59), s#404-(54), s#453-(#93), s#490-(#40) and s#518-(#68). All these prior numbers have the identical under-dial layout with two plate holes for under-dial version of the retaining power spring seen only in s#175 and s#209, with all other locator holes clean and screw-holes threaded. However, s#747-(#97) and s#706 no longer have the plate holes for any under-dial retaining spring option, implying a difference in plate preparation starting at s#651 with possible assembly #01. The escapement on this example appears to have been changed over to having the pallet in the same plane as the escape wheel, the older banking pin positions now empty, the new adjustable banking pin position by the tail, and the pallet bushing jewels changed from original. Another symptom of recasing was the case screw with clever washer that goes down over the plate to touch the seat, as the screw itself would not accomplish that, leaving play in the case.
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, excellent mvt condition overall were it not for the alterations, as noted above, with the abandoned banking holes and the bushed pallet bushing jewel stuck into the plate; dial with crack starting at top of seconds and continuing through center to 1; hands near mint but later; case shows medium smooth wear, many MFS, one dent to back edge by the band, no other dings, ET detail gone entirely with only a button remaining in back - the detail must have been ultra-light to begin with, band detail worn smooth in places; bow pivots with limited free range, replaced push shows very light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$2000
PRICE SOLD:
$425
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