American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' Movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1854
This object is a gilded pocket watch movement without a case, catalogued as an American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' grade dating to circa 1854.
The 15-jewel lever movement features serial number 555, a steel balance, blued screws, and an elaborately engraved balance cock. The plates are engraved 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'. The auction catalog reports that it is accompanied by a Roman numeral white enamel dial and blued steel fleur-de-lys hands.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Pocket watch movement
- Maker
- American Waltham Watch Co.
- Serial Number
- 555
- Dial and Hands
- Roman numeral white enamel dial with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- American Waltham Watch Co.
- Movement Specification
- 15 jewel, gilt, lever movement with steel balance
Design
- Visible features
- • The movement plate is engraved 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'. • The balance bridge is decorated with foliate engraving and carries a blued index regulator pointing to an engraved 'F/S' scale. • The movement features a steel three-arm balance wheel and numerous blued steel assembly screws.
- Mechanism and Construction
- The auction description details the movement as a 15-jewel gilt lever movement fitted with a steel balance. Direct observation of the movement records a balance bridge decorated with foliate engraving and an index regulator pointing to an engraved 'F/S' scale, alongside a steel three-arm balance wheel and blued steel assembly screws.
- Identity and Plate Engravings
- Catalogued as an American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' movement only, the item is assigned approximate date 'c1854' and serial number 555 by the auction house. Visual observation of the top plate records the engraved inscriptions 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'.
- Dial, Hands, and Documented Condition
- The auction catalog reports a Roman numeral white enamel dial accompanied by blued steel fleur-de-lys hands. The condition report in the auction listing states: 'minor marks and scratches on plate, regulator abraded, dial with hairlines, minute hand with bends, running, would benefit from service'. These statements represent auctioneer evaluations rather than verified independent technical assessments.
Identification
- Reference
- Model 1857
- Serial number
- 555
- 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.
Research required
- Research required: Offered as movement only, lacking an outer pocket watch case.
- Research required: Condition issues reported by the auctioneer include minor marks and scratches on the plate, an abraded regulator, dial hairlines, and bends in the minute hand.