DESCRIPTION:
PW mvt only - Waltham, the first Model 1888 made, American Watch Co marked "Non-Magnetic," 19J with an unfortunate incorrect "21 Jewels" stamping to its train bridge acquired at some point later in its existence, 16S with pillar plate having been reduced from its original model specific diameter, OF model mvt, white enamel DS dial with impressed center, SW-SS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, non-magnetic alloy balance wheel and hairspring, marked "Non-Magnetic" to dial plate below balance wheel, quilted pattern nickel damascene, s#3574001. A historically notable piece, the present movement is the first serial number made from Waltham's first run of Model 1888 production. This initial production run was very small, being of only 10 "American Watch Co." grade movements spanning serial number 3574001 to 3574010. From the handwritten Waltham ledger it appears that this initial batch of "American Watch Co." grade Model 1888 production was originally intended to be a larger run of 200 movements, but the note "Not Del'd" (not delivered) is listed alongside serial numbers 3574011 to 3574200 presumably indicating that this larger block of 190 serial numbers was not produced. Beyond the significance of its serial number the present movement has a few additional features worthy of note including its attractive quilted style damascene which is uncommon among American grade Model 1888 production, its non-magnetic alloy balance assembly and corresponding "Non-Magnetic" marking which is scarce to rare among American grade Model 1888 production, and its distinctive earlier style of open face Model 1888 plate design with only a narrow straight gap between train bridge and barrel bridge which is quite rare among American grade Model 1888 production.
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, fully wound and will tick briefly with a twist, overhaul needed, mvt has an actual jewel count of 19 but has had a non-factory executed "21 Jewels" stamping marked to its train bridge, diameter of widest ridge of dial plate has been reduced presumably in an attempt to fit the movement to a standard 16 size case, plates with excellent color and luster, balance cock with some fine scratches and surface nicks, missing the "tail" portion of its regulator assembly, train bridge and barrel bridge with only few very mild micro-fine scratches, pallet bridge with fine scratch striations likely from sanding, winding wheels with some small spots of oxide; dial is of later vintage style and is of correct diameter for a Model 1899 or 1908 mvt, dial with scattered hls, some hand rub within seconds-register; fine hands, seconds-hand is smaller than appropriate for size of present dial's seconds-register.
ESTIMATE:
$500
-
$1000
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