In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country was in Civil War. Production ground to a halt. However, the company decided to downsize to the lowest possible level to keep the factory open. It worked: Upon his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln became the proud owner of a William Ellery model Waltham watch. President Lincoln's watch - made in January 1863 - resides in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian.
We are very pleased to offer today this Civil War Waltham, that according to the company's hand-written ledger, was made in March of 1863 (see a photo of the page below) only 1-3 months after President Lincoln's watch. Here is a little more about it...
- Handsome period nickel case
- Original porcelain dial that presents beautifully with original blue steel hands
- Large 18 size, measuring a full 56mm in diameter
- Key wound movement with winding key
The time period this watch was being manufactured aligns closely during several key events. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. Applauded by many abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, there are others who feel it does not go far enough to totally abolish slavery.
At the same time this watch was being manufactured, March 3, 1863, conscription (the drafting of soldiers into military service), began in the North. And shortly after this watch left the factory April 1863, Union forces in the east began a new campaign in Virginia to flank Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Fredericksburg. In the west, a Union army began a campaign to surround and take Vicksburg, Mississippi, the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River.
Its period correct nickel case, a recase, is is in honest condition. Its wonderful enamel dial presents as just short of mint to the naked eye.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Amazingly after more than 150 years, it continues to run. Accompanying it is its original or period key and a photo of the page in Waltham's hand-written production ledger.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
This a rare opportunity to own an exciting historical timepiece from a prominent American watchmaker.
- Manufacturer: American Watch Co./Waltham
- Country of origin: U.S.A.
- Serial no.: 69,774
- Date manufacturing finished: March 1863, made in a production run of 100 pieces
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Nickel
- Case markings: 236,709, Silveroid
- Case condition: Honest condition with two dings. Otherwise only light wear.
- Dimensions: 56mm diameter (excluding the crown)
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, presents as just short of mint condition
- Hands: Blue steel
- Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass., 69,774
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: One-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Watch packaging box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Original or period winding/setting key
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
