The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

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

LOT 564

The House of Not So Ill Repute WatchHamilton Watch Co., No. 1445725, Grade 940, made for "Anna L. Silveira, Jewelry Palace, A Ourives e Relojoeira Portugueza, 76 Jackson St., San Francisco, Ca", circa 1923.Fine, gold-filled, keyless, private label watch with an unusual dial.

USD 1,800 - 2,200

C. Two-body, "Empire" marked "GEM", engine turned back cover and bezel, reeded band, pendant attached to the dust ring. D. White enamel, gold paillon Arabic numerals in gold paillon circles, outer gold paillon minute ring, blue sunk sub-seconds, center with gold paillon rosettes and fleur-de-lis. Gold "Louis XV" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate, damascened in a wavy pattern, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, Hmilton-type micrometric regulator modified from the Reed whip-lash patent, safety pinion, lever-set.Signed by the retailer on movement and dial.Diam. 53 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Anna L. Silveira of Portuguese descent, established a jewerly business at 72 Jackson St., and either moved to or acquired the adjacent location at 76 Jackson St. on the second floor she had a brothel house. There are very few watches with her name known, all of which are by Hamilton and some feature special dials. Apparently, the watches were either sold or given to special patrons as christmas gift.It is interesting to note that although the serial number indicates Grade 924, it is in fact Grade 940. The case employs a dust protection Colby's patent No. 239732 of April 5, 1881.We are grateful to Gary Anderson for the above information.