DESCRIPTION:
APW – E. Howard & Co, Boston, Series III, 15J, N-S (just over 19S), heavy approximately 12K gold (case holds 10K test on stone and has slow gradual fade on stone with 14K test) reversible style (cabriolet) case patented by J. M. Durand that allows for display in either HC or OF orientation, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, KWKS, balance over center wheel, gilt mvt, s#4987. Gross weight of assembled watch 85.1 dwt (132.4 g). A rare early reversible case, this design was granted US patent number 20554 on June 15, 1858 and these cases are operated via a small button on the band which allows the movement to tilt forward on a single pivot and then be rotated for display in either OF orientation with pendant at 12 or HC orientation with pendant at 3. CONDITION: Mvt: GRO...
CONDITION:
Mvt: GRO, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, gilt plates with a darkened tone, scattered spots of oil haze on plates, some specks of oxide on steelwork; dial has two short hls below seconds-register, very faint hl above seconds-register, two small flakes at seconds-register hole; fine hands, hour has slight crimp, minute has oxide at tip and some loss of bluing on stem; case has very weak lift spring that is not currently secured and falls out at times, case shows ample wear to surfaces that are exposed when in OF orientation, lid that is only exposed when in HC orientation shows little wear evidencing that this watch spent the vast majority of its working history carried as an OF, some fine scratches on exterior lid, no dents or dings, engine turning detail is largely lost from surfaces exposed in OF orientation with only some portions remaining lightly evident, lid that is only exposed when in HC orientation retains good overall engine turning detail with some reduction and mild loss at shoulder, hinge for exterior lid missing both end caps; replacement bow pivots freely and with some play within pendant sockets; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$3000
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