I had been looking at these two watches and I had a hard time determining why they went for such different prices. What was I missing?

This one went for $216.37

2- I thought that this one would be better, because of the lower Serial Number, am I missing an element of this watch that makes the other one better or more desireable? Thank you!

This one went for $88.00

Sheila,
The movement in picture number one is missing the winding guard, but the regulator would be more interesting to me. The data base lists the movement as an 1857 model.

Wayne,
I thought they were both 1857's? and both 18s and both 15J?

Sheila
What is the serial number of the movements?

They are

993144 & 107029

Sheila,
They are both model 1857..I read the serial number on movement 1 incorrectly...did the movement include the dial & hands?

Sheila:

The earlier serial number is of the Civil War era. It is not beyond expectations that some "hot shot" on eBay may use a case of that period and try to sell it as a watch possibly worn by some Civil War veteran.

This has been done to many watches that unsuspecting or unwary watch buyers have been taken in with.

I would have loved to see the dial with its markings as well as the hands.

You do not always get bargains on these auction sites. Far too much "puffery" abounds.

By the serial #'s, the top one is a Civil War period watch... these bring way more money because of the Civil War Re enactors..need period authenticity... Any Am Watch Co 1857 Movement under approx 125,000 is this way..Under 100,000 is even better..

Hello everyone, If anyone would like I had a Appleton & Tracy restored by a watchmaker in the town where I work, he only charged me 125.00 because he said that the watch deserved it,the file is to large to post but I would be more than glad to e-mail it to who ever wants to look,the serial number on mine is #335767.

Jeffery

Thank you for all the great information.

Serial Number 107029

Serial Number 993144