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APW - Elgin, C.H. Hulburd, Grade 446, 19J, 12S, 14K white gold OF original Elgin C.H. Hulburd Model case with exquisite ornate acid-etched finish to rear, deeply carved detail to bezel, rear perimeter, and pendant, elegant tall bow with carved detail and unusual shaped and engraved crown, inner rear with acid-etched pattern detail, gold cuvette with acid-etched signature ring, inner cuvette with acid-etched pattern detail, silver dial with very attractive combination of horizontal lining and foliate engraving detail, raised gold Arabic hour numerals in radial orientation, raised gold fleur-de-lis at 5-minute positions, gold Norfolk Pine hands with blackened tips, SW-SS, lever escapement with capped escape wheel, wheel satin nickel finish, s#19999975. Gross weight of assembled watch 31.1 dwt (48.3 g). A notably beautiful example of this top-grade man's dress watch. The C.H. Hulburd grade was Elgin's flagship product for the prestige market during the 1920s and 1930s and was named after Elgin Watch Co. President, Charles H. Hulburd. The original pricing of the C.H. Hulburd ranged between $300 and $750 depending on case material and on style of case and dial. According to the consignor: "I bought this watch from a woman who told me that 'This watch belonged to my grandfather Fred C. Kelly. He was a writer who was the first nationally syndicated columnist. He wrote many books on such subjects as the stock market, raising dogs and fellow Ohio humorists. He was most recognized for editing the autobiography of the Wright Brothers, Miracle at Kitty Hawk, which I believe is still being published. He was great friends with Orville Wright and is credited for bringing the Wright Brothers plane to the Smithsonian. My father just passed away at age 98 and he claimed to be the last living person to shake hands with Orville Wright.'" From the collection of Ethan Lipsig.
CONDITION: Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered micro-fine scratches, balance cock with very small abrasion to its inner edge near mid-point, steel escape cap with small spot of oxide; excellent dial with some darkened toning immediately around center, some darkened toning to portions of perimeter; nearly mint hands; case shows hardly any wear, some fine scratches to cuvette perimeter from slipped past openings, no dents or dings, excellent acid-etching and engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows hardly any wear; good glass crystal.
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