DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, 23J, rare Model 8, 16S, gold-filled original HC, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel, fishscale pattern nickel damascene, s#2577527. A very rare watch that is perhaps the most desirable variant among hunting case Illinois Bunn Special production; the total production of this hunting case 23 jewel fishscale damascene Bunn Special is believed to be only 100 made per Michael Chamelin's Bunn Special book. At the time the book was written only seven examples had been recorded by the author, and the present example offered here is fresh to market having been "found" within the past year from a source outside the collecting community.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, plates with some typical scattered micro-fine scratches, some oxide to winding wheels and regulator assembly; dial with scattered hls, some fading of "5" minute numeral, tiny edge nick under bezel near 8:30; fine hands with some areas of oxide; case shows light wear, some short but deep scratches inside rear at upper-right perimeter, ding to front of band at 8 and to adjacent edge of front, some lesser scattered dings and nicks elsewhere, wear to brass to much of pendant, case front lift spring needs assistance to open lid, case rear and cuvette open wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 110 degrees and 115 degrees, respectively); tight bow, crown shows ample wear and has had some notches filed for grip; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
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$7000
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