$2,300
American Watch Co. , Waltham, Mass, Model 57, "Appleton, Tracy & Co." Grade., No. 168643, delivered in December 1865.Fine, 18K gold, hunting-cased watch. four-body, "bassine" by "E.T. & Co.", engine-turned and engraved covers, hinged cuvette with engine-turned border and aperture for winding. hand-painted white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "American Spade" hands. 18 size, gilt, full plate, 15 large jewels in screwed settings, lateral lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel flat balance spring, engraved balance cock.Signed on the dial and movement.Diam. 54.3 mm. Notes Waltham Watch CompanyOut of all of the many American watch companies, the history of Waltham-the first American watch company-is probably the most renowned.Widely believed to be the father of modern watch manufacturing, Aaron L. Dennison (1812-1895) not only had the idea to manufacture watches through the use of machinery, but also had the energy and perseverance to achieve it. He convinced Edward Howard, already an established manufacturer of technical goods such as clocks, scales and steam engines, to provide the necessary capital for the enterprise. Joined by a few investors, Dennison and Howard began the world's first enterprise aimed at mass wtch production.Dennison was the son of a shoemaker from Freeport, Maine. Recognizing his son's mechanical talent, young Dennison was apprenticed to a pupil of G Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-11-28
