C.H. Knights & Co Pocket Watch?

[Chuck Edwards; NAWCC#0124]

We have restored an old pocket watch that belonged to my wife's Grandfather. On the dial it says "C.H. Knights & Co.". On the movement the only things inscribed are "Menlo Park", "286005", "Pat Pinion", and "Springfield, MA".
I cannot find any record of a watch maker by that name. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Chuck Edwards

[Chuck Edwards; NAWCC#0124]

We have restored an old pocket watch that belonged to my wife's Grandfather. On the dial it says "C.H. Knights & Co.". On the movement the only things inscribed are "Menlo Park", "286005", "Pat Pinion", and "Springfield, MA".
I cannot find any record of a watch maker by that name. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Chuck Edwards

[Jon Hanson]

HAMPDEN!

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Chuck,

Yours is what collectors call a "private label" or "jeweler's contract" watch. That is, the maker (Hampden in this case) put a jeweler's or jobber's name on it per their request. Interestingly, a book on Hampden watches by Jim Hernick and Bob Arnold shows an 1884 C. H. Knights & Co. ad wherein the "Menlo Park" is offered. They call it their "Special Watch".

Hope this helps,

[Chuck Edwards; NAWCC#0124]

Thanks for the information!
You all are great!
Chuck

[Jon Hanson]

Hi Chuck,

BTW, is your watch open face or hunting case?

[Chuck Edwards; NAWCC#0124]

I am not very versed on the terminology of watches, but if a "hunting case" has a cover over the dial, then our watch is an open case.
Can you recommend a good book that provides watch description, identification info, etc?
Also where could it be bought?
Thanks.
Chuck

[Kent]

Chuck:

There is one book. Although there may be some errors and some of the watch values may be debatable, it is the best single reference available:

"Complete Price Guide to Watches, No 24," C. Shugart, T. Engle and R. Gilbert, Cooksey Shugart Publications, Cleveland, TN, 2004 (a new edition comes out each year in February. This book is available at libraries, most major bookstores and online at the NAWCC Gift Shop (http://www.nawcc.org/giftshop/americart/bk_watch.htm)).

Kent

[Chuck Edwards; NAWCC#0124]

I had practically forgot about that book. I bought one at the Charlotte National in 03', but have only looked at the portions dealing with prices. My mistake; it does answer the questions I have so far.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Chuck