The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

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

LOT 649

American Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Mass., No. 1952162, Model 1877, "P.S. Bartlett" Grade, made in the first half of 1883.Exceptionally fine and rare, 18K yellow gold, keyless watch with a patented dustproof case and a 24-hour dial.

USD 5,500 - 6,500

Sold: USD 5,750

C. Two-body, "drum", swing-out, screwed and stepped reeded bezel, engine turned band, engine-turned and engraved back, screwed-down dustproof and water resistant crown. D. White enamel with Arabic 24-hour numerals, outer minute track with 5-minute red Arabic markers, sunk sub-seconds. Blued steel "Spade" hands. M. 18 size, gilt, full plate, 11 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel flat balance-spring, patent pinion, lever-set.Signed on dial, case and movement, case also engraved "Pat'd Apr. 22. 1879".Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

The watch features one of the rarest Waltham dials in a very rare patented case. The case was patented by Eugene C. Fitch of New York in 1879. It was the first patent featuring a two-body dustproof case. It is interesting to note that more than fifty years later Rolex patented a similar design for wristwatches.For the patent, see at the back of the catalogue.