Waltham Pocket Watch 
with Tennis Historical Significance
Serial Number 23491628, 15 Jewels   

Rare Waltham pocket watch awarded to Laurence B Rice in 1923.  Larry Rice, a Bostonian, was a tennis player of some fame in the 1920s.  He played and beat the likes of the legendary Bill Tilden (in 1921), and may have even beaten him more than once. A 1922 NY Times article describes him as the 9th highest ranked player in the USA in 1921 with a victory over Bill Tilden the year before. Bud Collins' Tennis Encyclopedia lists him as the 9th ranked American player in 1921. It is a gold filled 25 year case in very nice shape and the hinge is good.  It closes properly and has a very nice crystal.  The case is engraved "Mass. State Singles 1923 Runner up prize won by Laurence B Rice"l movement is in very nice condition.  It has a robust motion and is a good time keeper.  The metal dial has a few minor blemishes but is still quite attractive. The setting and winding functions are fully functional.   

This is a nice watch.  It could either be carried or just savored on the bookcase. 

See the Serial Number Below of 23491628. This means this watch was made in the year 1920