DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, Convertible model, 21J, Grade 72, 16S, heavy 14K gold (confirmed via test as marking is worn) original HC with monogram "J R" initials to front and 1891 monogram date to rear, gold cuvette with "Presented to James Rix by the Employees of the Blast Furnaces, Illinois Steel Co. Joilet Works, Nov. 23rd, 1891," white enamel DS dial that friction fits to mvt via a canister style ring, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, raised gold jewel settings, gold train wheels, gold balance screws, quilted pattern nickel damascene, s#607313. Gross weight of assembled watch 80.1 dwt (124.6 g). A very attractive example of Elgin's top quality watch, currently in need of an overhaul and some attention to its case. A single run of 1000 serial numbers spanning 607001 to 608000 was blocked for Grade 72 production but based on known examples we believe the actual production was only approximately 450 made, as all examples we have observed have fallen neatly within only the 607001 to 607450 portion of this run. This indicates the likelihood that a bit over half of the blocked serial number range was never completed.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly and stopping occasionally, case is missing its stem but mvt winds and sets properly when uncased, overhaul needed, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few mild micro-fine scratches, few specks of oxide to steelwork; dial with small hl above seconds-register, short fine scratch left of center, few minuscule flakes to rim of seconds-register hole; fine hands with some portions of finish loss; case with missing stem and broken front lift spring, stem affixing screw is not present in case pendant, small bit of side-to-side play to front hinge and cuvette, case shows almost no wear, no dents or dings, superb engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2200
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$3000
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