DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, Grade 161B, extremely rare, 21J 60 Hour Elinvar, 16S, gold-filled OF original Star Watch Co. Model 118 case, Montgomery white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, mono-metallic balance with white Elinvar hairspring, friction fit gold jewel settings, interrupted ray pattern nickel damascene, s#5610590. An excellent example of this extremely rare watch, the 161B is considered by many Illinois collectors to be the most desirable piece among the entire Bunn Special series. Total production is believed to be only 50 made, with all known examples falling neatly within the 5610551 to 5610600 serial range. The 161B holds the distinctions of being the final development of the Illinois Bunn Special and of being the final production run of railroad watches made under the Illinois name. The design of the 161B movement differs from all other Bunn Specials in its use of friction fit jewel settings, and in this regard the 161B is directly related to the "B" series Hamilton Grades 992B and 950B. A terrific opportunity for the Bunn Special collector; over the past 20 years we are aware of only four examples of the 161B to appear at public auction.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces with few minimal small micro-fine scratches, few tiny bits of oxide to regulator spring; virtually flawless dial with only a few negligible tiny micro-fine glaze scratches, infinitesimal pinpoint edge nick under bezel near 7; excellent hands, small bit of oxide to hub of minute; case shows little wear, mild shallow crease type dent to rear right of center, small nick to band at 8:30; bow pivots freely, crown shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$10000
-
$20000
"
"
"
"
"