American Watch Co.

• 20 size, model 1862, gilt lever movement, jewels carried in chatons, Stratton's patent • white enamel dial, Roman indexes, subsidiary seconds, blued steel spade hands • large engine-turned 18k yellow gold case, the front cover with engraved and enameled boat rescue scene, the interior engraved 'The President of the United States to Capt. J.J. Ballentine, for the rescue of the Crew of the U.S. Steamer Sacramento, 1867,' the back cover with the seal of the United States of America, gold cuvette • dial and movement signed

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case in overall good condition with some wear, small dents where the bow has pressed against the covers, and a bend in the bow. Enamel loss to the seal and the rescue scene. Dial in very good condition. Movement in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With wood box and 14k pink gold chain.

The present lot was an award given to Anglo Captain J.J. Ballentine in recognition of his service in saving the crew of the American sloop-of-war the USS Sacramento. The ship ran aground in June 1867 off of the coast of India. Despite the total loss of the ship, the crew was saved and eventually made their way back to America in November 1867.

Originally launched in 1862, the USS Sacramento served during the American Civil War and toured through Asian waters. The sloop's assignments during the Civil War contributed to the blockade off of North Carolina as well as the capture and interception of Confederate ships in the Caribbean and off of Europe. After the Civil War, the ship was assigned to transport duties in Chinese and Japanese waters, and eventually made its way to the Eastern coast of India.

Known as the 'Official Award to Non-Citizens of the United States of America for Saving Lives at Sea,' the watch presentation program was approved by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, and became a tradition through the 19th century. Typically, the watches depicted a rescue at sea on the front and the Seal of the President of the United States of America on the case back.