The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 20

Boston Watch Co., "Samuel Curtis", No. 916, retailed by A.M. Ward, Hartford, Conn., made in the second half of 1854.Fine, historically important, silver, hunting-cased watch.

USD 7,000 - 12,000

Sold: USD 8,050

C. four-body, "bassine", polished, hinged cuvette with inscription, engine-turned border and aperture for winding. D. hand-painted white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "American Spade" hands. M. 18 size, gilt brass full plate, 15 jewels in screwed settings, lateral lever escapement, plain three-arm steel balance, blued steel flat balance spring, engraved balance cock.Signed on the movement "Samuel Curtis, Roxbury", the cuvette is engraved "American Lever" and signed by the retailer.Diam. 55.3 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-12-01

Good

Worn

HANDS Original

Notes

This watch is one of the earliest American machine-made watches which were produced at a rate of four per day. The watch exemplifies the struggle of the founding fathers of American watchmaking, who, although, did not succeed financially in the first round, definitely succeeded technically. In the second rounds they were successful on both accounts.An identical watch was formerly in the Time Museum Collection, Inv. No. 1102.Signed on the movement. Cuvette engraved "AMERICAN LEVER, Sold by A.M. Ward, Hartford, Conn".Diam. 55.3 mm.