Adams & Perry Lancaster Watch #1369 Friction-Fit Dial and Movement

Technical characteristics

Type

Friction-fit dial

Dial Signature

LANCASTER PA.

Place recorded

United States

Maker / attribution

Adams & Perry Watch Co.

Dial Attachment Method

Friction-fit metal ring

Movement Serial Number

1369

Pillar Plate Measurements

46.01 mm bare, 46.67 mm with dial ring

Design

Visible features

• A silvery metallic collar ring encases the white enamel dial rim and wraps over the edge of the brass movement plate. • The dial face displays black painted Roman numerals with an outer railway-style minute track. • A partial black signature reading 'LANCASTER PA.' is visible angled across the right side of the dial. • The brass edge of the movement pillar plate is exposed directly behind the silver-colored dial ring.

Dial Appearance and Historical Context

The dial displays black painted Roman numerals alongside an outer railway-style minute track. A partial black signature reading 'LANCASTER PA.' is angled across the dial face. Surviving Adams & Perry watches feature dials that are either signed 'LANCASTER PA.' or unsigned. The source author notes that because many of these watches were completed after the Lancaster Watch Company was organized, the 'Lancaster Pa.' dials likely indicate finishing during the subsequent Lancaster era. In contrast, regular Lancaster Watch Company production used dials secured with screws.

Dial Construction and Mounting Mechanism

This assembly from Adams & Perry Lancaster watch #1369 exhibits a friction-fit metal ring attachment rather than standard dial screws. The white enamel dial is surrounded by a metallic collar that encloses the rim and wraps over the outer edge of the movement plate, seating against the exposed brass pillar plate. Examination of the back of the dial fitted to movement #1369 reveals two copper pins that have been filed down, which the source notes aligns with practices seen on dials of similar construction during the era. While Charles P. Corliss secured an 1879 patent for a similar dial design while developing an interchangeable watch at Elgin, no patents for this dial attachment are known to have been issued to Adams & Perry.

Plate Dimensions and Documentation Limits

Source measurements indicate that the pillar plate of movement #1369 measures 46.01 mm in diameter without the dial, closely matching the diameter of E. Howard 'N Size' movements. With the dial attached, the diameter expands to 46.67 mm due to the perimeter ring material. Visual documentation in the provided record focuses on the dial edge profile, the bare brass pillar plate edge, the dial reverse, and signature details. Complete movement train layout, escapement specifications, hands, and exact production dates are not recorded in this source.

Identification

Serial number

1369

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.