April 17, 2012, 23:38
Richard M. JonesStrange 16 Size Hampden Garfield Hunter
I thought the members might enjoy seeing some pictures of a watch that a few years ago a well known seller touted as a "Rare and very valuable Ball-Hampden." This watch was never made for Webb C. Ball. It does however have a very nice Ball Pattern Damascening so I suppose the experienced seller simply made a mistake and assumed it was a Ball. Hah! This is actually one of the scarce Hampden Garfields named for the assassinated President who was from Ohio. The unusual thing about this watch, in addition to it's rarity, is it appears fewer than 200 Garfield watches were produced. In the Hampden Watch Company Book they show the serial numbers known going from 2,573,002 to 2,573,191. All of the known Garfield Models are 3rd Model Movements and are open-faced pendant-set watches. This one however is obviously a 3rd model hunting case Garfield and possibly the only one in existence. These were 16 Size Watches with 21 Jewels and adjusted. On the known Garfields some have a dial that simply says "Garfield" and does not say or indicate Hampden Watch Company. I do not know if these were private label productions but if anybody happens to have a Garfield Dial I would love to talk to you! Does anybody know of other Hampden Garfields, particularly Hunters? By the way it is an excellent timekeeper!