Patek Philippe Very Fine & Historically Important Minute Repeating Split Seconds Chronograph With Register Presented By The Ci...

Description

Patek Philippe Very Fine & Historically Important Minute Repeating Split Seconds Chronograph With Register Presented By The Citizens Of San Francisco To Surgeon General Rupert Blue, circa 1908
Case: No. 246950, 18k four body, invisible hinge, gold cuvette, 45 mm, gold slide for the repeat on the rim, split second buttons in the crown and on the band, scroll ribbon initials on the back, presentation inscription on the cuvette
Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, gold Louis XV hands, thirty minute register at twelve, subsidiary seconds track with red numerals, outer fifth second marks and red five second numerals
Movement: No. 137519, nickel, straight line lever with counter poised pallet, bi-metallic compensated balance, jeweled through the hammers, wolf's tooth winding gears, swan's neck regulator
Signed: case with Patek Philippe hallmarks, movement signed Patek Philippe & Cie and Shreve & Co., dial signed Shreve & Co.

Note: The dust cover of this important timepiece is engraved "To Rupert Blue P.A. Surgeon, U.S.P.H. and M.H.S. from the citizens of San Francisco. In grateful recognition of services rendered the city while in command of the Sanitation Campaign of 1908". Rupert Blue served with the Marine Hospital Service Regular Corps, which later became the Public Health Service. He receive honors for his work to eradicate the bubonic plague in San Francisco in 1905 and in the eradication of yellow fever in New Orleans in 1907. He served as Surgeon General under Presidents Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson from 1912 to 1920. He also served as President of the American Medical Association from 1916 to 1917. Under Blue's leadership researchers turned to the new science of bacteriology to effective use against diseases linked to poverty in both rural and urban areas.

This exceptional and historically important timepiece is being offered to the public for the first time. Numerous biographical information is included with the watch as well as the book "The Barbary Plague" by Marilyn Chase which documents the importance of Rupert Blue's work and his devotion to the health and well being of the American people.




Condition Report*:

Type: Patek Philippe Very Fine & Historically Important Minute Repeating Split Seconds Chronograph With Register Presented By The Citizens Of San Francisco To Surgeon General Rupert Blue
Dial: enamel, Arabic numerals
Hands; gold Louis XV
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Case No: 246950
Case Info: four body, invisible hinge
Case Width: 45 mm
Crystal: glass
Watch Movement: No. 137519, straight line lever with counter poised pallet, bi-metallic compensated balance, jeweled through the hammers, wolf's tooth winding gears, swan's neck regulator spring
Circa: 1908
Condition: dial is very very good, case is good, movement is good, cleaning is recommended, runs a bit, chimes and split chrono works but movement tends to stop at the quarter hour change positions, slide is a little loose


*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

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