#95 • Extraordinary woman & moon form 14K pendant watch

Part of 260528 - "Spring Featured Auction" Horology, Jewelry & Coins - May 7-28 (live auction by Jones & Horan Auctions)

High bid $5,200.00

Status: Sold

LPW - Illinois, 7J, 4S, extraordinary woman's portrait and crescent moon form 14K gold original HC with beautiful detail, one side in the form of a portrait of a woman's face with the rendition being continuous between front, side, and rear of case, other side engraved with a crescent moon with its tips framing the space above and below the woman's face and with the woman's flowing hair filling the space at case center, six-sided bow, glazed mvt observation cover, latch under case bezel near 4 secures mvt in position to allow closing of case, white enamel SS dial, SW-LS, gilt mvt, s#926105. Gross weight of assembled watch 37.2 dwt (57.9 g). An exceedingly rare and remarkably beautiful gold case, this design is attributed to Frederick Rapp who was awarded U.S. design patent 17348 on May 17th, 1887 for his watch case consisting of "a crescent having a face within the horns of the crescent." The case of this example is marked only with "14K" and the intriguingly low and simple serial number 101. Truly a stunning piece, we previously handled this watch in 2024 and are pleased to have the opportunity to offer it again as its owner has recently shifted collecting focus. CONDITION: Mvt: Ticking sluggishly, overhaul recommended, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, few scattered spots, some ultra-fine scratch striations from past wiping(s); dial with light hl above seconds-register; fine hands with some areas of oxide and finish loss; case shows hardly any wear, subtle small soft nick to lower cheek of woman's reverse and tiny nick below eye of woman's reverse, no dents, superb engraving detail, case closing properly though requires the following steps - make sure crown is at its fully raised position, make sure mvt is closed and fully seated, slide latch under bezel near 4 toward pendant to lock mvt in position, then depress crown and close lid; tight bow, crown shows light wear; good glass crystals. Estimate: $5,000 - $6,600 JH-76366