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STEPHEN DECATUR GOLD FUSSE POCKET WATCH.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
STEPHEN DECATUR GOLD FUSSE POCKET WATCH.
Early fancy Fusse pocket watch in double gold case, London assay hallmarked case for 1777. Movement engraved "Peacock 3847, Royal Exchange London". The watch has an attached old ink inscription on Stephen Decatur calling card, it reads: "Thomas Ten Eyck's watch which my father Commodore Stephen Decatur [1752-1808] always wore and although blind, he could always quickly tell the time by sense of touching the hands with his fingers". Thomas Ten Eyck (1742-1808) daughter, Marie Susana married Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr (1779-1820) brother Colonel John Pine Decatur (1786-1832). Wealthy men of this era carried these first Fusse watches with these elaborate complex mechanisms that kept best time possible. Watch appears complete and mechanism may work, but is sold as-is, both hands intact, white enamel dial has several cracks. Also include in lot is 2" oval silver plated napkin ring inscribed "Stephen Decatur Jr", large cut on edge and scratches. PROVENANCE: James D. Julia Auctioneers, lot 3133, August 27, 2009; Martin Lane Historic & Western Americana Lifetime Collection. (02-21461/JS). $2,500-3,000.