Another Hampden Private Label

[Joe Collins]

I recently acquired this 18s, 11j, stem wind, lever set Hampden signed F. F. Ward & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio. I find it interesting that the serial number (106296) is much lower than on a lot of KW/KS Hampdens I have seen.

Under the dial is a patent date of May 28, 1878. I am not sure what the patent covered but it came around the advent of the stem wind, lever set change so it may be related to that.

It came in a 4oz. Dueber OF case that was also a low serial number. (165810) Due to the low numbers on both the case and the movement I tend to believe this was an original combination.

I have added these pictures and I have several more available should anyone want more.

Thanks for looking,

Joe

[LloydB]

From what I've read, the serial numbers on Hampden KW's are
not always useful indicators of their manufacturing date.

Hampden completed a substantial number of KW movements
from New York Springfield WC material, and (IIRC what I read
about this) stamped serial numbers on them in no particular
sequence, as related to their other production.

** found it. Last couple of lines of the introductory Hampden
material in Shugart's Price Guide.

[Fred Hansen]

Nice looking watch Joe and thanks for posting! I've always liked the private-labels marked with a name and location since they have that extra layer of history that ties the watch to a place and time.

Fred

[tomrsey]

Nice private label Joe. In a Dueber case too. Great find!

[bkerr]

That one looks great, Mt Vernon is not very far away from my home and really not too far from Canton where the company ended up. Is the case a Newport case?

Really nice find!