The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue @ 45th Street, Dec 04, 2002

LOT 495

Fishing TripElgin National Watch Co., No. 8470503, Grade 208, circa 1899.Very fine and rare, 14K gold, keyless, private label watch with a very unusual dial.

USD 5,500 - 7,000

Sold: USD 5,405

C. Three-piece by Fahys, "Monarch", "bassine", screw back and bezel, decorated with vermicelli scrolling, circular engine turning and floral engraving. D. White enamel, double sunk, scenes from fishing adventures for the numerals forming an amusing story, outer minute track, center with painted on enamel scene depicting tree men resting on a bank of a river with a tent and meadows behind, boat at the shore, cooking pot over an open fire, sunk sub-seconds. Blued steel heavy "Spade" hands. M. 18 sze, nickel, full plate, damascened with wavy patterns, 17 jewels, straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring, safety pinion, pendant-set.Signed on dial and movement, movement signed also Chas. Cotton..Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

The dial of the watch, despite the two small, almost insignificant hairlines, is most unusual. It depicts the story of a father, son, and dog on a fishing trip. The story begins at 6 o'clock and progresses throughout the day: by 10 o'clock, the dog has fallen overboard; at noon the pair stop for a drink; by one o'clock they are fishing again; and by 5 o'clock they are on their way home after having caught not a fish, but their own dog! The center of the dial depicts two men, most likely the stortellers, sitting around a campsite.The reproduced original drawing of the dial is from a catalogue of 1896.The combination of this dial with a solid gold, almost mint-condition screw back and bezel case is probably unique.The dial of this watch references Jerome K. Jerome's book "Three Men in a Boat"