The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

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

LOT 550

Flying Dragon Among FlowersRockford Watch Co, Rockford, Illinois, No. 321287, Model 8, Grade 83, made for F.J. Hooper, Aspin, Colorado circa 1889.Fine, multicolored gold-filled, "Dragon" hunting-cased, keyless private label watch with an unusual case and dial.

C. Four-body, by Dueber, "Special", "demi-bassine", back with applied red gold flying dragon on circular engine turned back-ground, applied green, yellow and red gold floral and foliate decoration, borders with unusual wavy pattern engine turning, front similar with applied crest for initials in the center, reeded band, polished cuvette. D. Off-white enamel, blue Arabic numerals on pale olive ring separated by gold paillon rosettes, outer line closed blue minute track with five-minute red Arabicmarkers, center with gold paillon frame encircling the jeweler's name, sunk sub-seconds with blue track and gold paillon rosette in the center. Blued steel "Morning Glory" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate damascened in crosshatched pattern with rosettes in the center of each square, 15 jewels, adjusted, straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel Breguet balance spring, screw/spring micrometric regulator, lever-set.Signed by the jeweler on the dial and movement.Diam. 54 mm.