Description: ANTIQUE MJ TOBIAS LATE 1800'S RARE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 18K GOLD KW/KS POCKET WATCH~FOR REPAIR~TICS. Item Is Pre-Owned; Item Is Sold "AS IS"; Shipped USPS Ground Advantage. Signature Confirmation will be required for this item. Offered for inclusion in your collection is this rare and unique BEN FRANKLIN pocket watch manufactured by the MJ Tobias Co circa late 1880's. Frequently referred to as the Father of the America, Ben Franklin was instrumental, more so than any other patriot at the time, in establishing this country's independence from England. Likely manufactured in the late 1800's, the timepiece appears to be approximately a 12 to 14 size with an outer case measurement of 46mm. Fashioned, except for the dust cover, of 18k yellow gold, the timepiece is a work of art. The thick issue free glass crystal offers an unobstructed view of the silver dial accented by gold applied Arabic hour numbers. The beautiful etching of a stately manor house is at the dial's center with an oversized sub seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The hinged case has no dings, dents or other notable distractions and is in exceptional condition for its age. It is a work of art with fanciful abstract designs embellishing its circumference as well as the edges of both lids. But it is the back of the case that truly makes this timepiece rare and unique. Sculpted to perfection, the portrait of Benjamin Franklin captures the essence of the statesman, diplomatic, inventor and so very much more. Likely produced as a commemorative piece, this is not of recent manufacture, but is a true antique suitable for inclusion in the most exclusive of collections. Powering this antique gem us a key wound, key set cylinder escapement bar style ebauche movement. The watch can be set and when rocked, the balance wheel rotates freely. It is apparent that some type of service would be required to make this watch a dependable timekeeper and is therefore offered for repair. Please review all the pictures as they represent far more accurately the items condition than any verbal description that I can provide. In those situations where you are uncertain or unsure, ask questions, before bidding. Don't assume. Asking questions will ensure that you receive what you expect. Most if not all of the horological items which I present for auction are from watchmakers' estates which have been in storage for a number of years. Consequently, I have no details as to their prior history nor can I offer any information other than what has been gleaned from cursory observation. Now for the boring stuff: Please study the photographs closely as they are considered part of the description. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me prior to bidding. There are no refunds. I do not accept returns because you thought that it was something different, or you changed your mind. All items are deemed sold "AS IS" unless there is a material error in the description. In that rare event, an item may be returned for a full refund, minus shipping cost, if applicable. We do not offer, nor give partial refunds. The item must be returned in the same condition and with the same packaging and paperwork, if any, with which it was sent. Payment is due within three days of auction end unless you have contacted us prior to make alternate arrangements. Payments not received within four days will be reported to eBay as a non-payment. Your bid will thereafter be cancelled and the item relisted. International Bidders Welcomed.
Price: 2249 USD
Location: Elk Grove, California
End Time: 2024-08-31T01:00:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Pocket Watch Size: 10 to 14 SIZE
Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
Closure: Open Face
Indices: Roman Numerals
Year Manufactured: 1880-1889
Vintage: Yes
Brand: MJ TOBIAS
Case Color: Yellow Gold
Department: Men
Type: Pocket Watch
Caseback: Snap
Dial Color: Silver
Model: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Style: Luxury
Case Finish: Polished
Case Material: 18k GOLD
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Display: Analog