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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' Movement

Partially verified

This object is a gilded pocket watch movement without a case, catalogued as an American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' grade dating to circa 1854. The 15-jewel lever movement features serial number 555, a steel balance, blued screws, and an elaborately engraved balance cock. The plates are engraved 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'. The auction catalog reports that it is accompanied by a Roman numeral white enamel dial and blued steel fleur-de-lys hands.

Back plate view of the gilded Model 1857 movement showing the engraved balance cock, balance, and 'Samuel Curtis' signature
Back plate view of the gilded Model 1857 movement showing the engraved balance cock, balance, and 'Samuel Curtis' signature — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
American Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Model 1857
Catalogue / lot identifier
1160
Source-reported date
c. 1854
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
555

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Plate Engravings

Catalogued as an American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' movement only, the item is assigned approximate date 'c1854' and serial number 555 by the auction house.

Visual observation of the top plate records the engraved inscriptions 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'.

Evidence for this section
  • “American Waltham Watch Co.,Waltham, Mass., model 1857 "Samuel Curtis" movement only”
  • “serial #555, c1854”
  • “The movement plate is engraved 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'.”

Mechanism and Construction

The auction description details the movement as a 15-jewel gilt lever movement fitted with a steel balance.

Direct observation of the movement records a balance bridge decorated with foliate engraving and an index regulator pointing to an engraved 'F/S' scale, alongside a steel three-arm balance wheel and blued steel assembly screws.

Evidence for this section
  • “15 jewel, gilt, lever movement with steel balance”
  • “The balance bridge is decorated with foliate engraving and carries a blued index regulator pointing to an engraved 'F/S' scale.”
  • “The movement features a steel three-arm balance wheel and numerous blued steel assembly screws.”

Dial, Hands, and Documented Condition

The auction catalog reports a Roman numeral white enamel dial accompanied by blued steel fleur-de-lys hands.

The condition report in the auction listing states: 'minor marks and scratches on plate, regulator abraded, dial with hairlines, minute hand with bends, running, would benefit from service'. These statements represent auctioneer evaluations rather than verified independent technical assessments.

Evidence for this section
  • “Roman numeral white enamel dial, blued steel fleur de lys hands”
  • “minor marks and scratches on plate, regulator abraded, dial with hairlines, minute hand with bends, running, would benefit from service”

Open research questions

  • What markings, signatures, or hairline patterns are present on the front of the white enamel dial and dial reverse?
  • Does the movement retain its original escapement and jewel settings consistent with early 15-jewel Roxbury-era Waltham production?
  • What original case style or case maker housed movement serial number 555 prior to its sale as a bare movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAmerican Waltham Watch Co.“American Waltham Watch Co.,Waltham, Mass., model 1857 "Samuel Curtis" movement only”
Movement Specification15 jewel, gilt, lever movement with steel balance“15 jewel, gilt, lever movement with steel balance”
Dial and HandsRoman numeral white enamel dial with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands“Roman numeral white enamel dial, blued steel fleur de lys hands”
Serial Number555“serial #555”
Reported Running ConditionRunning, would benefit from service (auctioneer condition report)“running, would benefit from service”
Reported Datec1854“c1854”

Visible details

  • The movement plate is engraved 'ROXBURY', 'No 555', and 'Samuel Curtis'.
  • The balance bridge is decorated with foliate engraving and carries a blued index regulator pointing to an engraved 'F/S' scale.
  • The movement features a steel three-arm balance wheel and numerous blued steel assembly screws.

Research qualifications

  • Offered as movement only, lacking an outer pocket watch case.
  • Condition issues reported by the auctioneer include minor marks and scratches on the plate, an abraded regulator, dial hairlines, and bends in the minute hand.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: American Waltham Watch Co.,Waltham, Mass., model 1857 "Samuel Curtis" movem

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 210a2bd6f3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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