I recently purchased a 940 for sentimental reasons and would like some info on it. The dial and movement are both marked J.W. Hamilton, Danville Ills in script lettering. The serial # on the watch is 142104. The case is marked Fahys oresilver pat.Feb 19 1884, serial # 6545144. The reason I purchased the watch is that my wife and I was married in Danville in 1960 and are still together. Any and all info appreciated and thanks in advance.

Bruce,

Your movement and dial being marked for a retail jeweler from the town in which you were married is something very special. Congratulations to you and your bride on the longevity of your union.

Looking up the Hamilton movement number 142104 on the Gelson List we find it to be a 940 from 142001-143000 in 1901 production. Digging deeper we find Hamilton number 142104 was a Single Roller 940 movement began production on December 1st of 1900 according to published Hamilton Finishing Department Records.

Your case being a Fahys identifies it as being a quality item. The designation of "Ore Silver" was Fahys name for a heavy duty nickel case which tells me the original owner bought a watch that they expected would last a long time.

Hope this information is of help to you,

Don

Your jeweler might be John W. Hamilton, in the 1900 Federal census for Danville, Vermillion, Illinois he is listed as a jeweler. He was born about Dec. 1852 in Pa., he was married to Hortense.

Unique situation - a PL posing as a watch company.

Nice work as always, Tom. I always wondered what Hortense would be shortened to as a nickname; neither syllable seems flattering.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Bruce,
Congrats on being married 52 some odd years!

Bruce,My wife and I have been married 53 years and she keeps asking me "Hasn't our license expired yet?"

I still remember my father's advice: Tell them what they want to hear and things will go smoother.

It's all about committment.

Vince

Flowers and jewelry work too! (just passed 30 years)..congrats on 53 years!