#189 • MS Smith & Co, Detroit, 18K HC w/enamel, very rare maker

Part of 261022 - "Fall Featured Auction" Horology, Jewelry & Coins - October 1 - 22 (timed auction by Jones & Horan Auctions)

High bid $7,200.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Oct 22, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

APW - M.S. Smith & Co, Detroit, 15J, 18S, very heavy 18K gold original M.S. Smith & Co. HC with ornate black enameled monogram initials to front, beautifully engine turning detail inside front and rear lids, gold cuvette, white enamel SS dial, SW-button-set with retained KWKS arbors, fausses-côtes pattern nickel damascene, gold train, gold balance screws, gold regulator index, s#18. Gross weight of assembled watch 100.8 dwt (156.7 g). A very rare watch, M.S. Smith & Co. was a prestigious Detroit jeweler which manufactured only a very limited number of watches of its own design between 1868 and 1871. The movements of these watches were the work of Charles L. Hoyt, who, several years after his association with M.S. Smith, continued this same design with the ill-fated Freeport Watch Co. venture. Based on surviving examples, we believe total production of these M.S. Smith & Co. manufactured watches likely numbered approximately 80 pieces or less. These watches were proudly advertised by M.S. Smith in Detroit periodicals and were frequently referred to as "Our Watch," and a particularly interesting ad in the April 30th, 1871 "Detroit Free Press" includes the text "We are often asked if we REALLY make this watch. We ANSWER, WE DO. Every screw, pinion, wheel, plate, &c., is made and finished from the metal in the rough at our Store, and we respectfully invite all to call and see the watches in the process of manufacture." CONDITION: Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered fine to micro-fine scratches, ultra-fine scratch striations from past wiping(s); dial with chip within seconds-register at left perimeter, hl from center to edge near 11, hl below seconds-register at 6:30, some scattered mild fine scratches and pinpoint surface nicks; excellent hour hand and seconds-hand, fine minute hand with oxide to portions of spade and tip; case shows medium wear, few nicks to rear shoulder, no dents, reduced engine turning detail with full loss through shoulders, black enameling nearly fully intact with few small areas of loss, front lift spring not contacting lid to fully opened position allowing lid to tip approximately halfway toward closed with gravity; tight gold-filled replacement bow is worn nearly fully to brass, crown shows ample wear with ridge break; good glass crystal. Estimate: $9,000 - $13,000 JH-79971