DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Convertible model, 21J, Grade 91, three finger bridge mvt, 16S, unusual heavy 14K gold OF original case with hinged front without crystal covering an internal bezel with thick glass crystal and a lever-set slot at 4:30, marked inside rear for retailer C.W. Beals (of Boston, Massachusetts), initials to rear, gold cuvette, correct white glass-enamel DS dial that friction fits to mvt via a canister style ring, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, raised gold jewel settings, nickel damascene, s#942024. Gross weight of assembled watch 79.4 dwt (123.6 g). A single run of 1000 serial numbers spanning 942001 to 943000 was blocked for Grade 91 production but based on known examples we believe the actual production was only approximately 350 made, as all examples we have observed have fallen neatly within only the 942001 to 942350 portion of this run indicating the likelihood that nearly two-thirds of the blocked serial number range were never completed.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, train wheels are brass and escape wheel is steel which are presumably replacements as this grade typically has a full gold train, plates with some fine and micro-fine scratches, small marring around balance jewel setting screws, oxide to regulator assembly, some lesser bits of mild oxide elsewhere to steelwork; dial with hls in center section, few short scratches in seconds-register, tiny edge flake under bezel between 5 and 6, some light edge rub under bezel; excellent hands; case shows light wear, front bezel leaving thin gap to band along left side when closed, few small scuffs and fine scratches on front bezel, scattered tiny nicks on band as well as some scratches from openings of bezel, no dents or dings, engraving detail shows mild reduction; tight bow thinned at its top, crown shows light wear; good thick glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$2600
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