DESCRIPTION:
Illinois Watch Co., Springfield, Illinois, "Aristocrat", 16 size, 17 jewels, stem wind and set, adjusted, damascened, nickel plate movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, double roller and whiplash micrometric regulator in a 18 karat, yellow gold hunting case with applied multicolor gold ornament in high relief, the front with an early 20th century open touring car with initials "M.S.C.", the back with an American eagle and shield, made to order by the Queen City Watch Case Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Arabic numeral, outer red 5-minute markers, double sunk, white enamel dial, blued steel Breguet style hands, serial #3834303, 146.1g TW, c1920.
CONDITION:
CASE: Not original to the movement; A few minor dings, pin pricks, visible on close inspection; A few minor scratches on outer surface of case; Minor scratches on cuvette; Minor case knife marks; Crown replaced; Precious metal content marked. DIAL: Scratches minor to dial; Minor manufacturing flaw, 1:00 - 2:00. HANDS: Oxidation, tip of minute. MOVEMENT PLATES: Minor scratches and marks on plate; Click with oxidation; Bridge screw with minor oxide; Balance cock jewel screws replaced. MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks). The Queen City Watch Case Co. was established by 1896, and by 1902 had become the Gruen National Watch Case Co. They advertised cases made to order, as well as repairs and alterations. While it is impossible to say that this case is unique, it is the only one that we have seen, and it is a testament to the quality of this manufacturers work. This watch was sold by Antiquorum, lot 572, in their "Art of American Horology" sale, 12/5/02.
ESTIMATE:
$4000
-
$5000
PRICE SOLD:
$2600
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