This dial is on a 935 marked "The Hamilton", serial number 21275.

I assume it is some kind of private label but it isn't initials and a name. Any ideas?

Regards,
Ron Birchall

Ron,
We would all guessing on what it means.

I believe it is a name. LeBron.

The serial number list just shows that it was made in a run of 300 and this one sat in the safe for 2 1/2 years between finishing and being sold to a customer.

It could have your name on it if your grandfather ordered it and you were named the 3rd !

A very nice OLD private label on a very limited (4530) production watch.

Jim

I didn't know what that first letter was but an L is as good as anything. I will contact the library tomorrow but there is a reference to a LeBron-Galena Illinois under Lancaster Watch Co. Most likely a jeweler. If they had a private label Lancaster, they certainly could have had a private label Hamilton. That would be pretty cool as Galena was the destination of the Galena and Chicago Union RR which eventually became the Chicago and Northwestern. Apprently,the RR never made as far as Galena as the lead mines petered out before it was completed.

Thanks for the observation,
Ron Birchall

Just to complete this thread, according to Don Dahlburg, volunteer at our Library, my watch was part of a batch of watches that went to the Finishing Department on 1/2/96 and 12/20/96. It was finished on 6/29/96 (clearly part of the first half of the batch) and was sold on 10/19/96 to L M Le Bron & Son, Galena, Illinois.

Way cool!

Ron

I believe that the watch you show came from either my great-grand father's or grandfather's shop in Galena, Illinois.

My great-grandfather was Leo Mann LeBron. He died in the early part of the 20th century. My grandfather was Leo T. LeBron, Jr. He died in 1945.

After that time, the shop was sold.

Dr. Debbie,

I don't have any pictures of the store but I believe that the building where it was is still standing. I am not even sure what the address was but someone in the Galena Historical Society might be able to tell you. I was only 18 months old when my grandfather died and have never lived in Galena. If I find any pictures in the future, I will certainly let you know.

Adelaide,
My watchmakers bench/tools came from a watch and clock shop that was in Galena,Ill. It was located at 125 main street and was operated by a watchmaker by the name of Clinton Wilkins. I wonder if there was any conection?