DESCRIPTION:
APW - Charles Billon, Philadelphia, verge fusee with calendar, likely of French manufacture and marked for this early American retailer, 62mm, silver OF original case with incuse "I I H B" casemaker's marking, white enamel dial with small gold foil dots at 5-minute positions and separating the calendar date numerals, winding aperture at 2, KWKS (key not included with this lot), verge escapement, gilt mvt with pierced and foliate scrolled two-footed balance bridge, spring-loaded gilt dust-cap, s#552 within case. A large sized and very attractive early American marked piece that likely dates to approximately 1800. Charles Billon was a watchmaker in Philadelphia who was active between 1798 and 1819.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, calendar hand not advancing properly as time is set forward as it is skipping ahead more frequently than appropriate, overhaul needed for calendar function, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright gilt tone with few fine scratches, some small areas of light haze; virtually flawless dial with tiny edge nick near 10; excellent hands, minute is a replacement; case shows light wear, an attractive dark patina throughout, small scratches to right side from rough past openings, short crease-type dent to upper rear perimeter, numerous dings scattered elsewhere to rear, small bit of solder excess evident inside rear at lower portion of planchet seam; bow pivots freely; good domed glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$700
-
$1400
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