DESCRIPTION:
APW - Waltham, mvt signature appears possibly to be "A.B. McClurr, Revere, Mass.," pocket chronometer with spring detent escapement, approximately 14J, 16S, 18K gold OF ET&Co HC recase, gold cuvette, "American Watch Co" marked white enamel SS dial, KWKS, spring detent escapement, frosted nickel finish, no visible mvt s#, s#1228 within case. Gross weight of assembled watch 75.0 dwt (116.6 g). Please note there is uncertainty to our identification of the last name in this movement's signature due to the ambiguity of some of its Old English font lettering. This very intriguing movement is based on Waltham's Model 1860 design with the notable differences of escapement type and upper plate shape, and is similar to several other spring detent movements based on Waltham design we have handled in recent years. The most similar of these was sold in our galleries in 2016 and was signed "T.J. Pressey" on its movement, and two others were sold in 2017 with signatures of "Franklin C. Adams" and "C.P. Babcock." Photos of each of these can be viewed with a search of our archive records and make for very interesting comparison with the present example.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, present case not allowing clearance for balance weights and will require some modification for balance clearance if it is to be retained with this mvt, when tested uncased mvt is fully wound and will tick for a few moments after a twist but with inconsistency and some evident error to escapement function, overhaul needed, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, some scratches and fine scratches adjacent detent foot, typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with small faint hl near 5, seconds-register appears likely re-pasted; excellent hands; minute with slight bend; case shows medium wear, no dents or dings, reduced engraving detail, greatly reduced engine turning detail with significant portions of full loss, rear hinge with darkened brass end caps; replacement bow of somewhat different color pivots semi-freely and is thinned at top, push is a white metal replacement; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$4000
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