Beautiful 18sz WALTHAM 21 Jewel VANGUARD, First Run!!!! This Watch Has An Interesting Service History! Start Price USD 699.95 Current Price USD 699.95 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, August 22, 2008 End Time Monday, September 01, 2008 Location Dade City, FL See more about 'Beautiful 18sz WALTHAM 21 Jewel VANGUARD, First Run!!!!' Description I am currently listing a wide selection of Vintage Pocket Watches at great prices!!! Many of the pieces that I am offering are perfect for carrying and display and will make great gifts or simply treat yourself to a nice addition to your collection. Please view all my auctions for a super variety! This attractive railroad beauty comes housed in a heavy 18 size, coin silver, swing out style case. A gold, inlaid Train scene decorates the back cover.The case comes with a screw on bezel with a reeded ring and a thick 1/8" glass crystal.The case is signed "Pioneer - Waltham - A.W.Co. - Waltham - Pat. Apr. 22.79. - Coin - 91170".Structurally, the case has remained very solid. It has some scattered moderate dings/dents and shows even wear. The bezel screws on and off smoothly and the movement swings in and out fine. The bow still shows resistance. The crown shows wear. A thick, beveled glass crystal protects the movement bearing a few normal scratches. Overall, the case has a decent and solid used look.Fronting the movement is an attractive, double sunk, white porcelain dial with the correct script signature. The dial faces up beautifully but has a light hairline in the outer chapter at the 39 minute position and a short light hairline in the center bit in the short space below the hands. The rest of the dial is stark white and clean. Bright, blue spade pointers center the dial and look like new. Overall, the watch measures 58mm (2 1/4") wide X 82mm (3 3/16") from the top of the bow to the base of the case X 20mm 13/16") thick. Total weight of the piece is heaft 5.7 ounces (162 grams). The 18 size, 21 jewel, stem wind and set, model 1892, full plate, nickel movement comes with beautiful damaskeening patterns, raised gold screw down jewel settings and bright gold lettering. The movement is signed "Vanguard, Waltham, Mass. - 21 Ruby Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Barrel." The serial number 6027911 dates this piece back to about 1893 and puts it in the first open faced run of 1892 model Vanguards. This piece has a very interesting bit of documentation. According to a couple of Waltham research experts, this watch is recorded by case and movement serial number in the 1925 servicing records of Dr. George F. Ritchie who was a watch inspector for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. There is what appears to be another faint set of case screw marks present. In spite of this, any recasing appears to have been done long ago in the watch’s history and at this point I'd consider this case very important to the watch since it does have a documented 83 year history together. I obtained this documentation from the NAWCC Message Board and will include a copy of this information with the watch.The movement is bright and clean. There are some normal, typical service marks present and a couple of very small spots on the winding gears. Overall, the movement faces up very nice. It winds and sets smooth and is running strong while keeping excellent time.This is a very nice, strong running watch that is ready to put to use or add to your collection. I am offering this item with a "Buy It Now" feature. I am also listing the "Best Offer" feature and will gladly consider any reasonable offer you may wish to make on this watch.. If I failed to mention something in my description of the watch OR there is erroneous information present, it is purely unintentional. In spite of as much care, detail and research as I try to put into the description of each and every timepiece I sell, it is inevitable that I will miss something on occasion. Please keep this in mind when viewing the pictures. Consider them carefully, in lieu of my description and make sure to e-mail me with any questions or concerns you may have PRIOR to bidding. I usually respond within 24 hours. Regardless of my description and photos here is the bottom line, I want you to be happy with your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied, please contact me within 3 days of receiving the item with your concerns. If we can't find a mutually agreeable solution, I will gladly give you a full refund of your high bid amount. Check out all my other items for a great selection to choose from and be sure to add me to your favorites list as I am constantly adding new listings. High bidder to pay $15.00 for registered postage and insurance within the continental United States. Shipping charges to all other destinations may be more. IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING THE SHIPPING OF ITEMS OVERSEAS: We will gladly ship your winnings to any country abroad. However, please note that watches are defined as "jewelry items" by the terms of the U.S. Postal Service and are NOT COVERED if insured. Essentially, it is useless to purchase insurance. We package all items very securely and carefully to prevent damage and have found that 99 % of our overseas shipments are delivered without incident. It must, however, be understood that all items shipped outside the continental united states are done so at the risk of the buyer. I do accept all major credit cards by paying through Pay Pal. Money order, cashiers check or credit card payment usually ships within 24 hours of receipt. Personal check is accepted but I reserve the right to hold item up to 14 days for check to clear my bank. Please e-mail me with any questions and thanks for looking. Place a Bid!