DESCRIPTION:
APW - Hamilton, Grade 946 with extremely rare damascene variant, 23J, 18S, very heavy 14K gold OF recase with beautiful train scene engraved to rear, white enamel DS dial, time-zone hands, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, rayed pattern nickel damascene, s#550761. Gross weight of assembled watch 95.8 dwt (149.1 g). This rayed damascene pattern is extremely rare among Grade 946 production. This example is the first from a group of 10 consecutive movements (serial numbers 550761 to 550770) that are listed in the Hamilton factory ledger as having been sold to Burr W. Freer of San Francisco, California between August and December of 1910. We have encountered two other examples of this damascene among Grade 946 movements and both have been within this block of 10 serial numbers, and we suspect this single group of 10 made may very well be the total production of this variant. From the well-known Hamilton collection of Robert Bennett of Olivehurst, California.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, few mild micro-fine scratches; flawless dial; excellent hands; case shows hardly any wear, no dents, few small nicks above train on rear, superb engraving detail with no reduction; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$3000
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$5000
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