DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special grade mvt private label marked as "Made Especially for E.K. Crothers for Rail Road Service," 23J, 18S, gold-filled OF recase, "Illinois Watch Co. Special For Railway Service" marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, two-tone gold inlaid circle pattern nickel damascene, s#1278282. An exceedingly rare watch, the total production of the 23 jewel open face Bunn Special grade with this two-tone gold circle pattern damascene is believed to be only 10 made. The small handful of examples we have encountered have been marked identically to the present watch, so we suspect very likely all ten were made with marking to E.K. Crothers who was the chief watch inspector for the Chicago and Alton Railroad.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, reduced two-tone color, some toning of nickel portions, fine scratch between fourth wheel jewel setting and edge of plate, few lesser fine to micro-fine scratches elsewhere, balance jewel setting is a brass replacement; dial with outer chapter fractures and scratch at 2, small edge nick under bezel at 2, few scattered small fine scratches and pinpoint surface nicks; fine hands with oxide; case shows medium wear, ding to lower-right perimeter of rear, some scattered nicks, reduced engine turning and engraving detail with areas of full loss, areas of wear to brass to band and pendant; tight bow, crown shows ample wear; glass crystal with some short scratches and nicks.
ESTIMATE:
$1000
-
$1600
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