Hamilton # 16 Case Question

April 27, 2007, 10:07

Joseph T. Collins

I found these two, supposedly, # 16 cases in a couple of auctions. While the case backs loot the same the pendant and crown are very different. Was there more than one design for this case? Both are from Star.

Joe

April 27, 2007, 11:56

Lindell V. Riddle

Hi Joe,

Let's begin with your case on the left, that is not a Case 16 but another similar looking Star Watch Case Company design. You correctly pointed out the differences in pendant, bow and crown areas. In fact that case is similar to but not the same as a yellow "Gold-Filled" version of the Case 12 which was described as "Nickel-Chrome" in late 1940s Hamilton advertising. More information, and some speculation about these cases may be found here as part of the "Hamilton 992B Factory Cases" topic in our 992B Research Forum.

The one shown on the right in your image merge appears to be like a Case 16 which was made by Star, but I said "like a 16" because we must bear in mind there were actually THREE different versions (or variants) of this particular style of case! With a little study we can learn how to determine which is which, perhaps these explanations will be of help.

• First one of those, used on Hamilton Traffic Specials in the late 1930s and into the 1940s is not actually a Case 16 but it was known as a "Traffic Special" case and will be marked as "Gold-Filled" inside the case back. (Hamilton muddied the water during WW II by using whatever cases they could find and a few of these along with what were apparently leftovers and previously rejected models were used to house some 992B movements, but that's another subject.)

• Secondly, true Case 16 came along in the early 1950s and will always carry "Rolled Gold-Plate" markings and a Hamilton Watch Company signature inside the case back. The Case 16 can easily be identified by those markings.

• Third was the "re-strike" or "Star After-Market" version of the Case 16 and it will be otherwise similar to the Case 16 including "Rolled Gold-Plate" markings but it will not have any form of Hamilton signature.

As you see this gets more than a little bit complicated.

Lindell

April 27, 2007, 13:01

Joseph T. Collins

Both cases are signed Hamilton. The one on the left is serial # 4745256 and is marked 10K gold filled. The one on the right is serial # R855159 and is marked 10K Rolled gold plate.

The one on the right Is Here

The one on the left Is Here

Joe

April 27, 2007, 17:58

Lindell V. Riddle

Following the links you provided Joe, I can see the image you showed on the left is one of what I call "phantom cases" Hamilton used during 1943 and 1944 when the regular line of cases were unavailable. Without question from the markings that case is genuine. Below this image are two other examples of Star "phantom cases" from that period that have caused many of us to shake our heads in disbelief. Both of these are also marked "Hamilton Watch Company - Lancaster, Pa" and case numbers are on the left 4704932 and 4704953 on the right.

Two more cases that cause confusion among collectors...

April 27, 2007, 21:53

Tony Dukes

All,
Look at how close the case serial numbers are but different cases. What say you/////

Tony

May 11, 2007, 21:59

Tony Dukes

All,
I was able to acquire the watch on the left in the first post. ODDBALL hamilton case--all numbers match--what say you/////

Tony

May 12, 2007, 09:52

Lindell V. Riddle

Congratulations Tony,

These are really interesting cases.

Perhaps one day someone will figure it all out.

Lindell