The Art of American Horology & Colle...

New York, Nov 28, 2001

LOT 186

Arthur Wadsworth, New York, No. 3779, circa 1870.Fine and extremely rare, silver, hunting-cased watch with special patented keyless mechanism.

USD 2,000 - 3,500

Sold: USD 2,300

C. four-body, "bassine et filets", engine-turned covers with partial floral engraving, reeded band, hinged silver cuvette. D. white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary sunk seconds. Blued steel "fleur-de-lys" hands. M. 18 size, gilt brass, full plate, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel flat balance spring, winding and setting by keyless system patented by Wadsworth on August 13, 1867.Signed on the dial and movement.Diam. 58 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 3-17-01

Good

Slightly spotted

HANDS Original

Notes

Arthur Wadswarth is best known for the millions of cases he produced for American movements, as well as about 50 patents relating to cases. Very little is known about his other activities, one of which is employed in the present watch-a very rare, keyless winding and setting mechanism. The patent date (June 19, 1866) engraved on the back plate does not correspond with the system found in this watch, which Wadsworth patented on August 13, 1867. Both systems are extremely rare, as only two watchesare known with the 1866 system and no other is known to have the 1867 system.