Internet Horology Club 185
Hamilton 974?

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March 12, 2011, 20:10
Roger Stephens
Hamilton 974?
Just acquired this watch s/n358603 17jewels adjusted.Dial marked Henry J.Howe and movt.marked H.J.Howe Sycracuse N.Y. The movt. is not marked Hamilton or 974 nor does it have the blue screw that my others have and the crown wheel has two screws whereas my other 974's have one screw.I did not know Hamilton made private labels.Did they?

Dial

March 12, 2011, 20:19
Roger Stephens
Movt.marked H.J.Howe Syracuse N.Y.


March 12, 2011, 20:20
Roger Stephens
another


March 12, 2011, 21:07
Lindell V. Riddle

Roger,

Your number 358603 is an early 974 from a 1905-1906 production run see the Gelson Listings on numbered page 7 for 358001-359000 and this one was Private Labeled for the retail jeweler with his name on both movement and dial, very nice. Speaking of the dial these early ones had four foot dials where the later ones after about 872000 or thereabouts were three footed. The two screws in the crown wheel is also a feature of the early Hamilton watches. And since there is no blued screw yours is probably a Lever-Set movement.

Except for mismatched hands which is easily corrected, that is a great item!

Lindell

Wink
March 12, 2011, 21:20
Roger Stephens
Thanks Lindell for the info.I didn't realize Hamilton did private labels as I have never seen one or seen reference to one.Henry Howe started his jewely business in 1860 and remained in business until 1975.Quiet a record!! Henry died in 1916.He was a civil war veteran of 4 yrs serving as courier and bodyguard for several generals including Burnsides.Again ,thanks for the input.Regards Roger
March 12, 2011, 22:33
Lindell V. Riddle

The fun of Private Labels is in the research, looks like Mr. Howe had an interesting history!

Wink
March 13, 2011, 09:54
Roger Stephens
Lindell,perhaps it started out as lever set but as of now it is ps.Looking at an early Hamilton ad.the light arabic dial with moon hands would be correct.Roger