I have always has a fascination with Hampden, having lived with my grandparents in Canton, Ohio during WW2 when my dad was in the Navy. My granddad took me to see the great factory on Dueber Ave. just off East Tuscarawas and he would tell me some about it. He was a diesel design engineer at Hercules Engine Co., also in Canton. I recall when the Hampden factory was demolished to make way for Interstate 77. I went to college in Canton and my very first pocket watch was a 16s Wm. McKinley 21J. I have now considered a 18s Hampden North American Railway 21J, but I find that there are 2 different Damaskeening patterns. The gold letter "swirl" type -- and the black letter fish scale type. My question is: Is one of these patterns more scarce than the other - or more desirable/collectible ? I know that all other factors need be equal as my decision to pursue one or both will be based on overall quality. I do not have a preference at this point, but am curious about the scarcity/value of the respective damaskeen patterns is. Thanks to this great body of members whose knowledge and detail is invaluable to the terrific hobby.

Of the Hampden North American railway models that passed through my collection, my favorite Damaskeening pattern was the unique enclosed spray pattern (for sake of better description) that was used on the later versions. These were also a little more robust Canton movements.

Dave I like them both but I believe the black letter may be a little less common.

Clark, if you scroll down to our Hampden Watch Company Research Forum and search "North American Railway", there are pics of a couple of other patterns besides those you mentioned.They are a nice watch! Regards, Ted.

Thank you David, Deacon, and Ted. I appreciate the education. I had my choice of two examples, one with the "swirly" gold damaskeening and the one pictured which is the one I chose. There was no difference in price, so I selected this one because I liked the way it ran so crisp and sharp, the motion of the balance just looked good to me. Thank you all for the info. As far as the Hampden factory in Canton, Ohio it was demolished for the construction of Interstate 77.

Nice watch Clark, is that one a 3 mil. serial number? Thanks for showing it....Ted.

Ted, Serial Number on this one is 2,750,632 and it has a Script Hampden double sunk dial with the red 5 - 60- track. The other one that I passed on has the swirly script and has a Hampden Block letter Montgomery dial with 4 or 5 hairlines in every direction. I went with eye appeal mostly, plus this variety is perhaps, just maybe a bit scarcer.

You got a winner . . . Squeaky Clean!