Hampden Case Question

June 25, 2009, 20:41

Keith Klimkowicz

This is a 23j Hampden 104 in a 20 year Dueber case. The photo does not show it very well, but it is a rose gold case. Is this uncommon to find a rose gold Dueber case?

The bow is yellow gold and would like to find this bow in rose gold. Any chance of finding this?

Thanks for any comments.

June 25, 2009, 22:33

Robert Schussel

Keith
Rose gold was in fashion around the turn of the century until about 1910/15.

Many 12 size Hampdens in this time period were Rose Gold.

Bob

June 25, 2009, 22:54

Tom Brown

Like that dial Keith.

Tom

June 25, 2009, 23:04

Steve Middlesworth

That is one sharp looking dial.

Steve

June 27, 2009, 00:42

Bruce Cunha

How about having it replated with rose gold? A small piece like that probably would not cost all that much.

June 27, 2009, 16:00

Lindell V. Riddle

Rose-Gold is arrived at by adding copper to gold.

I would urge caution in making any changes. Comparing other Dueber cases from my collection in natural light it is possible this bow which is the correct, original style for the case may have been re-plated in a brighter yellow gold or that the case has simply taken on what is often called "patina" for want of a better term. Many times case colors are misidentified for such reasons. Also, the bow may simply be cleaner than the rest of the case. It is always wise to take out the movement then thoroughly clean cases using either approved cleaning solutions or light polishing by hand before making any color determination, especially one that might inspire alterations.

Some cases are actually "rosy" in appearance, but a basis of comparison is important. There were in fact Wadsworth rose-gold-filled cases made for Railroad watches during the mid to late 1920s time-frame, the Illinois First Model and Hamilton Case Models 2 and 5 come to mind. Then we find rose was prominently featured in the late 1930's and early 1940s in Hamilton advertising. Again today rose-gold is being used on wristwatches, check in my IHC185 Auctions "NEW IN BOX SKELETONIZED 20J WRISTWATCH WITH EXHIBITION BACK for an example.

Hamilton called rose cases "Coral" in their 1940 advertising...