Antique 18KT Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch, American Watch Co.

Circa 1879, stem wind and lever set, movement #1145034, eleven jewels, the gold case with heraldic crest and Latin inscription "malo / mori / quam / foedari" (death rather than dishonor) to the front, opening to a signed white dial with black enamel Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel spade hands, with outer minute register and subsidiary seconds dial at the 6:00 hour, with engraved presentation inscription to curvette "W.H. Payne / from / Minerva Payne / Jan'y 27, 1881", case back with crest and engraved Latin motto "pro patria semper" (always for country), case stamped AW Co. / 85373 / 18K and curvette stamped 85373 / 18K.

Case 1 7/8 in. diameter; 14s

77.0 dwt.

From the collection of Mr. & Mrs. Eppa Hunton, V, Richmond, Virginia

Gifted by Minerva Winston Hunton (née Payne) (1861-1897) to her father, William H.F. Payne (1830-1904) on his birthday. Minerva married Eppa Hunton, Jr. (1855-1932) on November 18, 1884 in Fauquier County, Virginia.

Good estate condition; case with very light scratching and very light dings; running at time of examination. See "Terms and Conditions of Sale: Clocks and Watches."

$700 - 1,400