DESCRIPTION:
APW - J.P. Stevens Watch Co, Atlanta, GA, 11-15J, 16S, heavy 18K gold box hinge drum style OF original J.P. Stevens & Co. case with spring-loaded hunting style front and rear with desired lid opened by tilting bow to opposite side and depressing crown, gold cuvette engraved "Presented to W.C. Morrill from his friend Joseph E. Brown," unusual "skylight" style white enamel dial with smaller central display matched in size to case front aperture, Arabic numerals in radial orientation, unusual fancy gilt and blued hands, SW-LS, crosshatch pattern nickel damascene, mvt with Stevens' patent spiral regulator in frosted rose gold, gold jewel settings, s#10. Gross weight of assembled watch 95.5 dwt (148.5 g). An impressive example from this rare maker. In the mid-1880s, J.P. Stevens produced 169 watches of his own manufacture using material and tooling that was obtained in 1882 from Ezra F. Bowman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This example is notable for its particular low serial number and also for its very unusual complimentary case and dial configuration. The inscription to its case cuvette adds a further bit of Atlanta, GA historical charm; as William C. Morrill and Joseph E. Brown were respectively the Treasurer/Secretary and the President of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, a 138 mile line which ran between Atlanta, George and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking somewhat sluggishly, overhaul recommended, fine cosmetic mvt condition overall, long fine scratch across main plate running right of s#, additional lesser fine scratches elsewhere, scattered tiny surface spots, some dings at edge of main plate below "Atlanta;" dial with hls through visible portion, more significant fractures visible when case front is opened, patched edge chip at 8:30, patched flake outside minute chapter at 5; excellent hands; case shows very little wear, few small nicks, no dents, excellent engraving detail, gold soldered repair evident inside front lid at seating of inner bezel, some file marks at setting lever area; tight bow, crown shows medium wear with ridge break; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$6000
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$12000
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