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Hamilton PL 936 early model. "Click" to Login or Register 
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
I was out looking for watches today and found this interesting one that I would like a bit more information on. What first drew my attention was the low serial number Hamilton 936, No 11,907 Wasn’t sure being a PL not only on dial but movement also. I make this one to be about 1894, needs a good clean, case brassed out but look original. Any more informaiton on it? And what style second hand?

 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
Picture of R. J. Lucke
posted
Chris,

I own and have seen a number of private label Hamilton's with Howe Bros. markings. This one however, is the first I've seen with this colored "logo" dial.

The Chicago Northwestern railroad goes through Clinton, IA which is north of the quad cities on the Illinois border. The logo on the dial appears to be a take off of "The Northwestern Line" logo associated with the railroad.

A very interesting PL which I would suggest picking up. If not interested, please let me know as I would be Smile

Rhett
 
Posts: 229 | Location: Nebraska in the U.S.A. | Registered: November 24, 2002
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
Hi Rhett,

I picked up the watch, So the logo is that of the Chicago Northwestern railroal copy?, but who was Howe Bros, a local jewelers of that area using the RR logo as a sign of quality?.
This would have been a high grade watch of it time if I am right and a then RR approved grade.
PS will try and get a better colour image of the logo.
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
IHC Member 665
posted
You have made a fascinating find. I have 11,786 - just 121 numbers away but not private label. George Townsend's notes indicate that the run was from 11,251 to 12,000 dating from 1898.
 
Posts: 215 | Location: East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Registered: December 31, 2005
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
I have been talking to a friend and he under the impression that there is some connection with Howe's Bros and the official Railway time-keepers of that RR line, and he seems to think that it is a official symbol. Could they have been the company responsible (sub Contractors) to the Chicago Northwestern railroad for the RR watch maintenance? Can anyone elaborate/verify this?
Gets more interesting the more you ask about these things.
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
IHC President
Life Member
Picture of Lindell V. Riddle
posted

Your friend is apparently correct Chris,

Howe Brothers of Clinton, Iowa was in fact an Official Time Inspector for Chicago and North-Western Railway from 1892 on according to Greg Frauenhoff's "Railroad Watch Inspectors" the 2000 edition. That relationship would readily explain the unique style of railway-related logo on your dial.

Assuming the "The Howe Bros. Special" to be fired into the glaze it's very special.

Like John said, congratulations on quite a fascinating find! Wink

In the authoritative Hamilton Serial Numbers by Grade, John F. Gelson listings 11001-12000 were 1898-1899 and your 11907 being to the high side 1899 it would probably be fair to use 1899 as the production year.

About your second hand, Hamilton referred to the one you need as "dart end" in their material catalog. Perhaps the image below will be of help to you.

Lindell


 
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Picture of R. J. Lucke
posted
Chris,

Yes, I believe Howes Bros were inspectors on the subject line. The private label markings on this watch are obviously an attempt to play off that association.

In the late 1800's and very early 1900's, a number of jewelers and inspectors had private labels marked with railroad or railroad associated markings. Illinois and Hamilton were the most prolific in this practice. As time went on and the railroads disallowed the use of watches with private label markings, this practice subsided.

With a few noteworthy exceptions, these watches were not ordered or sanctioned by the railroads themselves.
 
Posts: 229 | Location: Nebraska in the U.S.A. | Registered: November 24, 2002
IHC Member 665
posted
Here's a scan of the North Western logo, for purposes of comparison.

 
Posts: 215 | Location: East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Registered: December 31, 2005
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
Thanks Rhett, John

I see what Rhett means about the logo being a copy, an exact copy all bar the wording, thanks for posting it.
Would Howes Bros, been THE, timekeepers on that that RR on account that people would copy there works logo.
Rhett, do the other watches you mention also have Howes Bros on the movement?.
This colour one is fired in.
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
Picture of R. J. Lucke
posted
Chris,

Yes, The other watches are also marked on the dial and movement. I've seen 18 size watches in both 17 and 21 Jewels as well as 16 size.

I am currently out of town, but can provide more information when I return later this evening or tomorrow.

Rhett
 
Posts: 229 | Location: Nebraska in the U.S.A. | Registered: November 24, 2002
IHC Life Member
Certified Watchmaker
Picture of Chris Abell
posted
Ok Rhett, will look out for you later.

Thanks to Lindell for being the mine of information as always and finding the information about the Timekeepers it really made this a special find for me

As Lindell said and judging by the emails I received; a desirable item,

quote:
Assuming the "The Howe Bros. Special" to be fired into the glaze it's very special.

Like John said, congratulations on quite a fascinating find!
 
Posts: 2625 | Location: Northeast Texas in the USA | Registered: November 20, 2003
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