The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

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

LOT 657

Elgin National Watch Co., No. 6349102, "Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers", Grade 150, circa 1895.Fine, yellow gold-filled, keyless watch with an unusual dial.

USD 2,300 - 2,800

C. Three-piece, "bassine" by "Philadelphia Watch Case Co.", polished, screw back and bezel, back monogrammed "B of L E".D. White enamel, double-sunk with Arabic numerals, in the center a colored picture of a locomotive and a coal wagon, outer minute ring with 5-minute red Arabic markers, subsidiary seconds signed inside "B L E". Blued steel "Spade" hands. M. 18 size, nickel, full plate, damascened, 21 jewels, the top ones in screwed gold settings, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, adjusted, blued steel Breguet balance-spring, Moseley and Hunter micrometric regultor, safety pinion. Signed on dial and movement. Diam. 54 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

It is rare to find a Brotherhood watch signed on both the dial and case.The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers was founded on May 8, 1863 in Detroit, Michigan. The organization was fraternal in nature and membership was not limited to locomotive engineers. Locomotive firemen and other railroad employees formed their own organizations. The cardinal principles of the organization were "Sobriety, Truth, Justice, and Morality." Membership could be terminated for the following reasons: intoxication; the keeping of a saloon or for attending a bar; habitual gambling or fomaking money through a gambling house