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 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 April of 1864 (see a photo of the page below). Here is a little more about it...
- Handsome and heavy coin silver case
- Original porcelain dial that presents beautifully with 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 falls closely the beginning of several campaigns leading up to Lincoln's re-election on June 8, 1864. In March, Ulysses S. Grant assumed command of all Union Armies in the field. Later that month the Red River campaign began. Throughout April and May battles were fought including a couple important battles in Virginia and the start of the Atlanta campaign.
Its period correct coin silver case, possibly a recase, bears a T.B.B. and an eagle hallmark and shows normal age appropriate wear. Its dial is in beautiful condition with edge wear mostly hidden underneath the bezel. It presents beautifully.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is keeping time within approximately 2.5 minutes per day. Accompanying the watch is a period key.
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.: 113,464
- Date built: April 1864
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Coin silver
- Case markings: 7031
- Case condition: Good with normal age appropriate wear and light dings
- Dimensions: 56mm diameter (excluding the crown)
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals, signed American Watch Co., original, beautiful condition with edge wear mostly hidden underneath the bezel. It presents beautifully.
- Hands: Period, blue steel "spades"
- Movement markings: P.S. Bartlett, Waltham, Mass. One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is keeping time within approx. 2.5 minutes per day.
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Warranty: One-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; KEY - Period winding/setting key
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
