Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Waltham 18 Size 14kt. US Assay Fancy Hunter Case Pocket Watch.


These fancy hunter case pocket watches are very rare items.  It has been estimated that very few of these have survived as many of them over the years have been melted down and sold for scrap metal values.




This amazing case uses multi-colored gold.  Note the detail of the horse along with the flowers around the horse.  The outer edge of the case is highly engraved.



The eye of the horse also has a small diamond that has been bead set into it.  There are three covers on this case.  There is one cover that goes directly over the movement which is designed to help keep the dust out of the movement.



This watch has a double sunk dial that is made out of porcelain.  Notice the delicate hands.  This dial is unique as it also has the "military" time marked on the dial below the Roman numerals.  This watch is lever set.  The lever is located towards the bottom of the picture.



This picture shows the Karat gold markings of the case.  It reads that it is Warranted 14K U. S. Assay.  Below the markings is the case serial number which really means nothing.  Case records were never maintained by case companies.



This view shows the 18 size Appleton, Tracy and Co. movement that was made by Waltham.  This is a 15 jewel movement that features a Safety Pinion which protects the gear train in the event the mainspring breaks.  This movement is also Adjusted.

2 comments:

  1. (I am posting this information request for my father in law. His email is included below -- Andrea Greco)

    I have a similar watch that came down to me from my grandmother. The movement is from the US Watch Company, and while the case has a different design (tricolor gold, with a horseshoe on the back, a shield in the front, and very ornate detailing all around), it has a very similar style to this one, and the same mark inside both the front and back doors. I am curious, what would you estimate this watch might be worth? I am not looking to sell it, simply to get a better idea of its value. I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me at sgreco71 @ comcast.net

    Thank you for posting these pictures, by the way, as they have been very helpful!

    Samuel Greco

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  2. Much depends upon the overall condition of the movement and the case. It is important to note the quality markings inside of the case.

    Also the US Watch Company was not in business for many years so the movements made by them are more rare than say the Waltham models.

    With gold values being what they are today, the watch has considerable value in gold alone. It is important to note that many gold cased watches did not survive the depression and many were melted down.

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