The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 164

The Ball Watch Co., Cleveland, Official Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen Standard, No. 642939, by Hamilton, Model 999, finished on December 13, 1909, sold to Ball on March 11, 1910.Fine, gold-filled, keyless Railroad Grade watch.

USD 2,500 - 3,000

C. two-body, "bassine" by Keystone, screwed bezel, back florally engraved. D. white enamel, bold Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "Spade" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate, damascened in circular pattern, 19 jewels, the top ones in gold settings, adjusted, straight line lever escapement with sapphire pallets, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan neck micrometric regulator, safety pinion, lever-st.Signed on the dial, case and movement. Movement also engraved "B of RT".Diam. 54.5 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-13-01

Good

Slightly damaged

HANDS Original

Notes

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen (BLF) was established in 1873 by Joshua Leach and 10 Erie Railroad firemenat Port Jervis, New York. The following year, delegates from 12 lodges met and formed the BLF Insurance Association, which aimed to provide sickness and funeral benefits to locomotive firemen. In 1906, the BLF changed its name to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen (BLF&E) and joined in bargaining with the three other major railway unions. In 1919, behind the support of a membership of 116,990, the BLF&E led the fight for an eight-hour day for rail workers. In 1926, the organiation successfully petitioned for passage of the Railway Labor Act.