Lace Doilies
|
|
|
|
This group of 16 size 17 jewel watches are interesting because of the unusually high level of finish for a 17 jewel watch and for the very beautiful winding wheels that are common to the group. The 3/4 plate examples are the 155 HC and the 161 OF that were offered simultaneously with the first "Lord Elgin" class watches the Grade 156 HC and the Grade 162 OF. Initially, the higher grades were 3 finger bridge and the lower grades were 3/4 plate. However toward the end of the 156/162 production, Elgin released the Grade 243 HC and Grade 246 OF while discontinuing the 155 and 161. Elgin only produced 16,000 of all the "lace doily" watches. 6000 grade 155, 4000 grade 161, 4000 grade 243 and 2000 grade 246. Sometime in the last 30 years there was an interesting short note in the NAWCC Bulletin about these 4 grades, but I have been unable to find it by searching the index. If anyone knows the volume and number, I would appreciate the information. The term "Lace Doilies" comes from that article and, I think, perfectly described the beautiful winding wheels. Click on any of the watches above to go to its page. Click elsewhere in the image for a blow up of the group shot. |
