Antique Solid Silver Waltham Pocket Watch. USA-England, 1924

Antique solid silver Waltham pocket watch, made in USA-England in 1924 and in great condition. The watch has a demi-hunter type case made in Birmingham and the movement comes from Massachusetts (USA), where the Waltham Watch Factory was located. The case bears hallmarks in all the caps and near the crown; these marks guarantee for silvers quality, origin and ancient age. The front cap is polished an even and bears the classic central circular opening of demi hunter watches, which lets us see the center of the dial and the hands. Framing the opening, a band with black Roman numerals makes it possible to tell the time without lifting the cap. Inside the front cap bears two hallmarks, the serial number 463173 and a mark with the initials ALD. Under this piece, the white dial mounts poire-type blue metal hands, black Roman numerals and the company name at the 12 position. Then there is a dustcap, also made of silver and with the inscription DENNISON WATCH CASE CO. LTD in capital letters. This cap protects the delicate movement, decorated with blued flowers and scrolls and with the Company name engraved by hand. We can also see a serial number, 23487517. Stylish and authentic, this antique solid silver Waltham pocket watch with hallmarks is a real collectors piece. Dimensions: Diameter: 50 mm. Waltham Watches History The American Waltham Watch Company was founded by David Davis, Aaron Dennison and Edward Howard in 1850 in Massachusetts, USA. Production started in 1952 but it was only in 1853 when they started to sell their own watches as the American Horologe Company. In 1960, in the throes of the American Civil War, the company went into serious financial trouble and went almost bankrupt. Though, it kept in operation by cutting expenses to the lowest level possible. In 1885 the firm changed its name to American Waltham Watch Company, which was maintained for decades with just small changes. As well as watches, they also manufactured and sold clocks. In 1957 they stopped making watches and became the Waltham Precision Instrument Company. The rights to the original name were acquired by the Hallmark Watch Company of Chicago, which kept on selling imported watches under the Waltham brand name.