Up for auction is a magnificent piece of American horological craftsmanship: an authentic 1879 pocket watch from the American Watch Company (Waltham, Mass.), featuring the highly desirable, historically significant "Wm. Ellery" grade movement. Named after a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Ellery grade is famed as the same model carried by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War.

This timepiece features a beautiful full-plate gilt movement bearing the hand-engraved inscription "Wm. Ellery, Waltham, Mass." along with its precise factory serial number, dating its production to late 1879.

• The Dial & Hands: A beautifully preserved white porcelain enamel single-sunk dial, cleanly signed "A.W.Co. WALTHAM" in elegant serif lettering. It features bold Roman numeral hour markers and a crisp subsidiary seconds track at the 6 o'clock position. The hands are matching original blued-steel in the classic vintage spade style.
• The Pocket Watch Case: Housed in a substantial coin silver open-face pocket watch case manufactured by the premier 19th-century maker, Joseph Fahys & Co. The inner case back is proudly stamped with the "FAHYS COIN No1" hallmarks and the serial number Q2562. The outer case presents a distinctive coin-edged reeded bezel and band, with a hand-engraved ornamental floral pattern and a vacant monogram shield on the rear.
• The Dust Lid & Service History: The inner silver dust lid features a clean key-winding hole and matches the case frame perfectly with a deep-set stamp of the serial number Q2562. Revealing its long lineage of careful ownership, the inner dust lid displays faint, hand-etched historical watchmaker repair marks, including a clearly visible service date from over a century ago: 8.20.07 (August 20, 1907).

• Movement: Fully operational. The balance wheel moves freely. The watch ticks consistently when wound.
• Cosmetics: The dial shows minor hairline characteristics consistent with a 140+ year old porcelain surface but remains remarkably clean with clear text. The coin silver case has a beautiful aged patina, crisp reeded edges, and light surface pocket wear, showing no heavy dents or deep gouges. The hinges open smoothly and snap shut securely.
• Winding Key: Includes a fitted brass pocket watch key. Please note that the key is a high-quality contemporary reproduction rather than the 1879 original, but it is perfectly sized and fully functional for both winding the mainspring and setting the hands.

This historic watch will be packed with extreme care, wrapped securely in multiple layers of protective padding, and shipped fully insured with signature confirmation required to ensure a safe delivery to your collection.