17th Jul, 2020 9:30 GMT/BST

Country House & Fine Sale including Jewellery, Watches & Silver (Day One)

 
Lot 212
 

212

A Very Rare Second World War German Luftwaffe Aviator's Wristwatch, signed A Lange & Sohne,...

A Very Rare Second World War German Luftwaffe Aviator's Wristwatch, signed A Lange & Sohne, Glashutte, so called B-Uhr, FI 23883, circa 1941, frosted gilt finished lever movement signed A.Lange & Sohne Glashutte Sa and numbered 210875, bimetallic compensation split balance, blued overcoil hairspring, original finished black dial with luminous outer five minute markers and inner hour dial, blued steel luminous hands, large centre seconds hand, large sized nickel silver plated case with a snap-on back numbered 210875, band of the case numbered FI 23883, inner case back with full details and matching number, onion shaped winding crown, 55mm wide see illustration

A.Lange & Sohne developed this model c.1940 for Luftwaffe pilots. The German Air Ministry recognised the need for an accurate observer's watch to navigate and assist crews on long range flying missions. These watches are known as B-Uhrs (Beobachtungsuhr or observer's watch). The watches were tested by the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt fur Luftfahrt DVL Institute. From 1941 onwards they were classified with an FI number which stands for flight and control, the 23 stands for navigation and followed by the three digit DVL number. A well tested watch with a high quality movement by a top manufacturer, and arguably the most desirable WWII German aviator's watch on the market today.

Sold for £2,600
Estimated at £1,200 - £1,800


 

15.06.20 Case with surface scratches, bezel with some dents between 9 and 10 o'clock position, inside back cover with one scratch, case is discoloured in parts, lower half of the strap is missing, top side of the strap with rust marks to the metal surfaces, winding crown is discoloured, plexi glass with small scratches, original dial finish with minor scratches, dial luminous markers are discoloured but with a good aged patina, hands with luminous missing in parts and discoloured, movement needs cleaning, balance stud has come loose and needs attention, hand setting correctly, movement not working.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Country House & Fine Sale including Jewellery, Watches & Silver (Day One), 17th Jul, 2020

Country House & Fine Sale including Jewellery, Watches & Silver (Day One)

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