I recently picked up a private label Hamilton close to where I grew up with a unique pattern to the movement. It is a very early 941 with a stunning 2 tone pattern. I haven't cleaned it yet or anything, but will post better pics when I have. It is marked Strow's No 3 followed by H.C.I & P. on the barrel. My question is if anyone has seen this exact pattern on any others or if it was unique for this guy?

Thanks,

Jared

Looks like someone went bananas with a Spirograph..(I know, I'm dating myself by knowing what a Spirograph is).. That being said.. I like it... I would have loved to work as a guy damaskeening movements way back when.. Just think of the patterns you could come up... Nice pick up!

I like that. Was it from the Strow Brothers in Fort Dodge Iowa? Do you know what the H.C.I.&P. stand for?

Tom

Good going Jared, I've never seen anything like it. Truly stunning.

Hot Cold Isoc Position.

Tom-

That is correct. The dial is marked strow's then Fort Dodge, Ia.

Thanks,

Jared

Yeah I guess the Strow's started out in Fort Dodge with the two brothers John D. & James R. They came to Fort Dodge from first Vermont where they were born. The they both practiced law in NY, NY. Then about 1855 moved to Fort Dodge.

John D. had a son John L. who went on to being a jeweler in Fort Dodge. A brother of John L., Edwin went on to own a Cigar & Billard room in Fort Dodge.

I am not sure if the store was named after the older Strow brothers or if there was another brother of John L. that worked with him in the jewelry business. I can't find one but I found an article from 1899 that spoke of the Strow Brothers of Fort Dodge moving into their new quarters with a large salesroom, fin fixtures and up to date stock.

I think I found the answer, there was a third brother of John L. & Edwin, a brother Clarence D.

I found where they both patented a display cabinet for spoons;
http://www.google.com/patents/...page&q=strow&f=false

Also a puzzle board;
http://www.google.com/patents/...page&q=strow&f=false

Tom-

Thanks for the information. Interesting how they seemed to be involved with multiple things between the brothers.

Thanks,

Jared

Here's some better pics of it cleaned and finished up.

Movement #2

Dial Side

and Case

Case 2

Hi Jared, that is one super nice watch, hunter style, two tone, railroad grade, great private label, and I like the case too. Nice find, thanks for sharing.

Gary

Wow Jared! Plumb gorgeous! Inside and out. Wished I had it. Regards, Brad