DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, Grade 161B, extremely rare 21J 60 Hour Elinvar, 16S, rolled gold-plate OF Star Watch Co. case, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with white Elinvar hairspring, friction fit gold jewel settings, gold train, interrupted ray pattern nickel damascene, s#5610599. An extremely rare watch, the 161B is considered by many Illinois collectors to be the most desirable piece among the Bunn Special series. Total production is believed to be only 50 made, with all known examples falling neatly within the 5610551 to 5610600 serial range which makes the present example likely the second to last made. The 161B holds the distinction of being the final development of the Illinois Bunn Special and of also being the final production run of railroad watches made under the Illinois name. The design of the 161B movement differs from all other Bunn Specials in its use of friction fit jewel settings, and in this regard the 161B is directly related to the "B" series Hamilton Grades 992B and 950B. A terrific opportunity for the Bunn Special collector, this is only the third appearance of a 161B at public auction within the last 20 years of which are aware.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, small scratches around the escape jewel setting, plates otherwise with scattered fine to micro-fine scratches with balance cock having a greater profusion, larger winding wheel with fine to micro-fine scratches, pallet bridge with fine scratch striations likely from sanding; virtually flawless dial with only a minuscule pinpoint perimeter nick within lower right of seconds-register; nearly mint hands; case with extra lever slot at 11, case shows little wear, few scattered pinpricks on rear, no dents or dings; bow with slightly brass underside pivots freely, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$10000
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$20000
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