The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue @ 45th Street, Dec 04, 2002

LOT 726

Boston Watch Co., Roxbury, "Samuel Curtis", No. 508, made in 1853.Fine, historically important, silver, hunting-cased watch.

USD 8,000 - 10,000

C. Four-body, "bassine", quadruple-hinged, No. 7683/61, covers engraved in stylized foliage at the ends, hinged silver cuvette with engine turned border and aperture for winding. D. Hand painted white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds. Gilt "Spade" hands. M. 18 size, gilt brass, full plate, 15 jewels in screwed settings, lateral lever escapement, plain three-arm steel balance, blued steel flat balance spring, engraved balance cock.Signed on the movement "Samuel Curtis, Roxbury".Diam. 54 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4 - 15
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

This is one of the earliest American machine-made watches. These watches were made at a rate of four daily.The present example exemplifies the struggles of the early fathers of American watchmaking, who failed financially but succeeded technically. Later, they succeeded on both accounts (see Howard introduction, page 68). The company was funded by Howard, Samuel Curtis and Howard's partner, D.P. Davis. To honor Davis, one of the first models was named after him.An identical watch was in the Time Museum Collection, Inv. 1102.