You are bidding on an absolutely stunning American Waltham Watch Company - PS Bartlett pocket watch that is over 155 years old!! This watch is an extremely large and very heavy 18 size mens Coin Silver hunter case that is in amazing condition for its age and carries the very desirable EAGLE HALLMARK. This watch is 100% correct, right down to its dial and heavy coin silver hunters case. This watch is one of the oldest I have had in my possession. A watch like this should be the cornerstone of any Civil War Buff or Early American collector because of the age, originality, history and the fact that is one of the earliest grades produced by Waltham – a PS Bartlett grade. What an exciting find!
The serial number on the movement is 39824, placing production at April of 1861 – this is right at the very beginning of the American Civil War! The watch has so many amazing features! The movement is a Model 1859 "Thin" model and is an 7 Jewel – check out the size of the cap jewel and the presence of a 3-spoked steel balance! It is a gilded movement with the gilding being in excellent condition. The balance cock also shows spectacular hand engraving which adds to the beauty of this movement. There are no extra screw marks on this case and the holes in the fancily engraved dust cover are perfectly aligned with the winding and setting sockets so the movement is very likely original to the case. The PS Bartlett Grade watch was one step under that of their Appleton Tracy grade and was, at the time, the official soldier's watch of that era.
The case is of the highest quality and is an original Coin Silver case in worn but very good condition and correct style for the age of the watch. The external engraving and Eagle Hallmark signifies the presence and pride of American manufacture, and is a very desirable feature to have on these early Civil War timepieces. Check out the photos and you will see the great condition of this case - considering it’s age, this watch was gently used. This case is just massive and amazing to hold in your hand. The case is nearly 54mm in diameter!!! The case has a few dings and the front lid does open just slightly past 90 degrees. Otherwise what is present is pretty much honest wear from typical use. The outside silver case is smooth with the front case lid displaying a phenomenal cartouche engraving on it. The front case lid opens when the button is depressed and stays closed when shut. The front case lid lift spring is intact and properly opens the front lid. The rear hinges are firm and all case lids close with virtually no gaps showing which is fantastic for a case of this age. The case has great offset solid silver hinges and the Original pushpiece is intact and in good order.
The unsunk dial is also in Very Good condition with only one tight hairline and small flea-size chip – otherwise absolutely incredible for its age!! The Glass crystal is also in clear condition with no scratches. The roman numerals are still very clear and in ‘like new’ condition. The dial is correctly unsigned, which was appropriate for the early Bartlett models made at Waltham.
This watch is key set and key wind. The watch was cleaned, oiled, and adjusted 1 year ago but due to the age of the watch I do not guarantee any specific accuracy but typically these will hold to better than 5 minutes per day. The hands set very well. The watch comes complete with a steel key that came to me with the watch (not shown in photos).
There is no possible way you could be disappointed with this watch and it would be the pride of your collection. This old masterpiece has history and good looks!
To be the proud owner of the amazing watch – BID NOW!!
Overall Condition: Very Good
The movement details from the Online Serial Number Database:
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- CASE HAS BEEN LIGHTLY CLEANED FOR HYGENIC SAFETY
- FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SPECIFIC CIVIL WAR DATES, HERE IS SOME INTERESTING READING:
- http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_exact_date_did_the_Civil_War_start_and_end
In an effort to maintain bidder privacy I have enabled the "Anonymous Bidder" feature so please, bid with confidence on this item....
Anyway, no reserve on this one, and as with all my auctions, I start this one off at a penny! Happy bidding!!!! Any ??? please ask before bidding. Buyer agrees to pay with PAYPAL and will include 6.15 for shipping, handling and insurance ONLY in the U.S.A.. OUT OF COUNTRY is PAYABLE ONLY THROUGH PAYPAL and is EXACT fee for shipping, REGISTRATION, and insurance as calculated at the post office at end of auction only to winning bidder, plus a 5.00 handling fee for out of the country. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Payment due within 7 days of close of auction, NO EXCEPTIONS PLEASE. This item is sold with a 3 day return policy, but darnit please ask ALL questions prior to auction close. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email and I will reply as soon as I can. Thanks and happy bidding!
