18s Waltham 23j Vanguard with RFC provenence
Here we have a very nice silveroid cased Waltham Vanguard with an interesting Royal Flying Corps provenence.
The movement is an 18s lever set 23 jewel model 1892 "Vanguard". Probably the finest 18s movement made by Waltham and Rail road grade. The movement jewels are set in raised screw set Gold settings and the whole was fully adjusted to Rail Road specifications at the time of manufacture in 1907. I have serviced this watch and fitted a new mainspring so I can confirm that it is in excellent condition with fine amplitude and excellent timekeeping.
The double sunk dial is the Canadian spec railroad dial in as new condition apart from a tiny chip on the edge at the 2 (where the lever sits). The nicely blued hands also in excellent shape as is the crystal.
The silveroid (mainly Nickel) case, original to the watch, is in lovely condition with an interesting inscription to the rear. (Please see Product Info for provenence). This is a swing out case where the movement is attached to a solid ring which in turn is attached by a hinge at the 12 to the main body of the case. Only the front cover is detachable which makes this style of case one of the strongest most protective available at the time. (See product info on how to expose the movement).
Everything about this watch leads me to believe it is all complete and all original. A lovely example of a very high grade Waltham Railroad watch.
PRODUCT INFO
The inscription to the rear (now somewhat faded but still legible) reads
"Lt. H. McL. Ferguson. RFA RFC CofE." A few minutes research reveals that in 1917, 2nd. Lieutenant Harold McLeod Ferguson is mentioned in The London Gazette as being commisioned into the Royal Field Artillery and Later as an air observer into the Royal Flying Corps. Finally discharged in 1919 Lt. Ferguson would also have been a founder member of the Royal Air Force. Lt. Ferguson appears in the Gazette again in 1940 where he is enlisted into the Auxiliary RAF. Harold 1896-1974 happily survived both conflicts but what stories could this watch tell?
To expose the movement: Remove the front cover, beneath the crown there is a ring unscrew this fully, at the 6 there is an indentation between the movement and case, thumbnail in there and lift. The movement will swing out of the main body of the case. To replace, lower the movement and jiggle the crown to locate the stem (do not force movement down) when fully located screw in the ring and depress the crown, replace front cover.
RETURN & REFUND POLICY
I wil refund in full if, upon receipt, the watch is not as described above. Please view photos carefully as they form an important part of the description.
Returns at buyers expense.
SHIPPING INFO
I ship Free to the UK
I ship to the US for £25
Rest of world please enquire before purchase.