#167 • Illinois, Washington Watch Co, Lafayette, 23J, 16S, HC, rare

Part of 261105 - "W for Watches" Watches, Jewelry & Coins - October 29 - November 5 (timed auction by Jones & Horan Auctions)

Starting at $10.00

Status: Available

Bidding closes Nov 5, 2026 2:23 PM EST

APW - Illinois, Washington Watch Co, Lafayette, 23J, 16S, gold-filled original HC has had crude machine executed engraving detail added to its original engraving at some point late in its lifetime, cuvette with presentation engraving that appears of relatively modern execution, white enamel DS Gothic numeral dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, capped third wheel, nickel damascene, s#1845066. A rare watch, we believe total production of this 23 jewel hunting case Model 4 version of the Lafayette to be approximately 195 made. CONDITION: Mvt: Running, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces, few fine scratches and more plentiful micro-fine scratches, escape wheel jewel setting and its screw with some filing marks; dial with edge chip at setting lever area, small flake at seconds-register center, small surface nick above 7, short scratch below "h" in "Washington;" fine hands with areas of finish loss; case shows ample wear and has had crude additional engraving detail added after having this degree of wear, case front opens wide of 90 degrees (to approximately 110 degrees), case front needing assistance to open through the initial portion of its range and when closed leaves some gap to band around its lower portions, numerous scattered dents and dings, substantially reduced original engraving detail, later added engraving detail is incongruently sharp, wear to brass to portions of band, front and rear perimeters, and pendant; tight bow, replacement crown shows little wear; good glass crystal. Estimate: $700 - $900 JH-80778