Abercrombie & Fitch A&F 8-Day 15 Jewel Travel Alarm in Leather Case, c. 1942 GRO
High quality vintage Swiss-made travel alarm timepiece marked Abercrombie & Fitch Co. / Swiss in good running order in a folding leather covered case.
Movement marked Abercrombie & Fitch Co. / New-York / Made in Switzerland, 15 jewels, Unadjusted.
The leather case is inscribed in gold text as a Christmas gift to John H. Bocock, Richmond, Virginia Dec. 25, 1942. (Research indicates that Mr. Bocock was a prominent business man in Richmond, founder and chairman of Investment Management of Virginia (IMVA)).
Based on the inscribed date, this timepiece is early-WWII, circa 1942. (Post-WW-II Abercrombie & Fitch travel timepieces appear to have used Swiss movements made by Angelus but typically 7 jewels with dial also marked “Angelus”.)
This alarm timepiece is in original unrestored condition and in good running order although no cleaning or maintenance has been done (ran 8 days on a near-full winding, alarm operates properly). Very quiet running consistent with jeweled Swiss movements.
Dimensions:
· Height, case unfolded: approx. 3-3/4” (9.5 cm)
· Height (thickness), case folded: approx. 1-1/4” (3.2 cm)
· Width (case): approx. 3-1/2” (8.9 cm) side to side
· Clock assembly: approx. 2-15/16” (7.5 cm ) square, bezel edges to bezel edges
· Clock dial: approx. 2-1/2” (6.4 cm) square
Condition: USED, unrestored, no recent maintenance
Overall condition is judged as good to very good for its age, very original with typical vintage “patina”. There is no guarantee for continued performance.
The dial, Arabic numerals, and hands are original and in very good condition. The crystal has no noticeable damage but could use to be cleaned on the inside surface (requiring disassembly). Time adjustment and alarm time setting both function properly with the original hardware. The nickel plating throughout is very good with slight scattered tarnish.
Note that the timepiece setting instructions are very important to avoid damage to the movement. A copy of these instructions will be provided with the timepiece (the original instructions are not available).
The leather covered case shows moderate wear consistent with age and use. The leather has worn through at one corner and several edge locations (see photos). The clasp latches but takes a little effort. The inscription in gold print on the back surface is slightly worn but easily legible. There is a large dark stain and scattered small holes along one edge of the silk liner on the inside of the bottom portion of the case (see photos).
Shipping considerations:
The alarm will be released and the movement allowed to unwind prior to shipment.
Weight: approx. 9.5 oz. (0.3 kg) (not packaged for shipping)
Please check the photos carefully as an important part of the description and for the best measure of condition.
Payment & Shipping:
· Payment via eBay Managed Payments policy within three (3) days after the close of the auction. Local pickup can be arranged. Local area delivery considered.
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· Actual shipping cost only – no handling charges or up-charges; please wait for my invoice for the most accurate estimate. I issue refunds via eBay Managed Payments or PayPal when actual shipping cost turns out to be lower than the amount paid by more than one dollar.
· This item will be packaged for shipment in a cardboard box with ample padding.
· Combined shipping is not available for this item.
· International shipping is available for this item.
· Insurance greater than the carrier-provided insurance will NOT be included in the shipping cost unless requested by and paid for by the buyer
· Returns are not accepted unless there has been a gross error in the description in which case the item is packaged and returned in the same condition as sold within ten days