DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, "Railroad Official" marked mvt, Grade 184, Model 4, 23J, 16S, gold-filled original HC with superb engine turning and engraving detail including a majestic stag's head to rear, "J.M.R." (these initials are for jeweler John M. Roberts of Pittsburgh, PA) marked white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, pinstripe pattern nickel damascene, s#1617287. An exceptionally rare watch, only 15 examples of the 23 jewel hunting case version of the Grade 184 were made. Based on the very few known examples it appears likely all 15 were marked as "Railroad Official" and with "J.M.R." signed dial. This particular example was formerly owned by Illinois Watch Co. author and researcher Bill Meggers and comes with his distinctive inventory card and bag as pictured noting his acquisition of the watch for $1250 in 1980, his observations of the watch, and noting all repairs and modifications during his ownership. In all, a terrific piece for the collector of Illinois rarities!
CONDITION:
Mvt: NR, likely broken mainspring, balance swings freely and will tick with pressure added at center wheel, overhaul needed, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous plates, some typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, few very small specks of oxide to winding wheel, barrel bridge has been slotted opposite regulator adjustment screw to facilitate easier regulator adjustment but we do not consider this as a conditional flaw as this is a trait shared by a number of higher grade Illinois 16 size Getty model movements that were made for John M. Roberts, so this modification was presumably either performed in Roberts' own shop or was performed at the Illinois factory per Roberts' specification; dial with outer chapter hls between 4 and 6, outer chapter hl at 10, some scattered tiny surface and edge nicks; excellent hands, minor oxide to minute; case shows hardly any wear, fine scratches to bezel at 5, ding to upper rear shoulder more noticeable internally, scattered pinpoint nicks to band, superb engine turning and engraving detail, small spot of wear to brass to cuvette shoulder near lip, case front opens slightly less than 90 degrees (to approximately 85 degrees); tight bow, crown shows little wear and has some up/down play; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$2000
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$4000
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