S# 132 - Model 1858-C divided plate ("Series I") movement with Type C plates[1]. Compensated balance, ornately engraved pallet bridge, and 17 jewels in screwed-down settings. Of the First Run of fifty 17-jewel divided plate movements begun at S# 101, the first 31 were held back while replacements for their original train plates, that had been engraved "Howard & Rice," were being prepared. These movements eventually were incorporated into later serial number runs, and at least one had a standard top plate that reduced the jewel count to 16. (movement S# 131 later was finished as S# 381.) Approximately ten First Run 17-jewel divided plate movements, only three of which retain their original S#'s, have been identified to date. The dial is unsigned, like those of most Howard & Rice movements that were completed at about the same time. S# 132 was most likely the first divided plate movement to be completed by the factory. It is to be found in an 18K gold Baldwin reversible case, bearing Baldwin's 1858 patent date on an interior surface, and S# 132 matching that of the movement. The case also bears a retailer's name: "Ben. F. Crane, St. Louis." This case exemplifies the earlier version of Baldwin's invention, incorporating a separate release button for the movement ring in the rim of the case.
