DESCRIPTION:
APW - Elgin, prototype 23J pendant-set, "Elgin Natl Watch Co, U.S.A." marked mvt, 18S, nickel OF display case, white enamel DS dial, SW-SS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, nickel mvt plates are "in the gray," s#375767. A very intriguing piece for the Elgin collector, this is an extremely rare, if not unique, prototype for a 23 jewel 18 size pendant-set model which was never pursued in Elgin's regular production. The six-digit serial number of this example is notable as Elgin reserved much of the 375,000 to 376,000 serial number range for their production of prototypes and samples, as based on observed examples. Watches we have encountered in this serial number range appear to have been made over a span of many years and are extremely diverse ranging from pieces that are visually identical to regular production movements to pieces that are dramatically different from anything made in the course of regular production. The closest relative among Elgin's regular production to the present example would be the Grade 214, but with the fundamental difference that the Grade 214 was made exclusively as a lever-set. The present example also differs greatly visually from the Grade 214 as it was completed "in the gray" with unadorned plates, with simple cylindrical raised gold jewel settings having squared edges and flat upper surfaces, and with plate screw heads having a turned circular finish.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some fine scratches and scattered small surface spots, steelwork with some oxide spots, winding wheels and click with fine scratch striations which we are uncertain of whether this is original finish or a sign of sanding at a later time, spacers inserted beneath case screws presumably for metal loss to these portions of case rim; dial with some scratches to center section left of center; fine hands with areas of oxide and finish loss; case shows little wear, some small fine scratches and nicks; tight bow, crown shows little wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$500
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$1000
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