Dial Case Back Case Mark Cuvette Cuvette Mark Movement Closeup

This example sold by Shreve, Crump & Low in Boston has a couple of nice things going for it. The open face treatment with the removal of the second bit is interesting. The presentation to Mrs. R. A. Kimball of Concord, N. H. in 1877 is also interesting. The serial number 951754 places this watch in a  run of watches was produced between March and December of 1877. The run also includes the hunting example shown in this group, 951739. The engraving on the back of the case is also very interesting. The flower garland entwined with the initials would lead one to think the intent was to obscure the monogram, but a closer examination shows that the workmanship is much too fine to support that opinion. The first letter of the monogram resembles an "M" so it may have been the case that the engraver got confused and engraved the initials "MRAK" to Mrs. Kimball's chagrin and recovered the best he could with the lovely flower garland. Even though the case is marked Shreve, Crump & Low, it has all the appearance of an American Watch Co. case of the period.