DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Washington Watch Co, Lafayette, 23J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with "W" marking for Montgomery Ward & Co, very attractive engine turning and engraving detail, white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, one-finger bridge Getty Model mvt, nickel damascene, s#2202984. An excellent example of this rare high grade private label; based on a close study of Washington Watch Co. production runs, we believe the total production of this 23 jewel Model 4 "Lafayette" to be approximately 195 made.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, small bit of oxide at perimeter of winding wheel; dial with faint outer chapter hl at 10:30 that splits into a fork at its inner base and that along one branch has a minuscule pinpoint sized flake to the inner rim of the outer chapter, very small scratch below center; excellent hands, minute with a small bit of oxide near its tip; case front with wear to its inner lip at latch area, case front does typically remain closed when shut with a secure squeeze but on infrequent occasion has opened unintentionally after being closed, case exterior shows hardly any wear, few very small nicks to band, superb engine turning and engraving detail; bow pivots freely, crown shows very little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1300
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