June 20, 2012, 08:01
Martin Wagner> UPDATE w/New Photos < -- Please help I.D. Movement ...
I may bid on this 18 size PL but would like to know who the maker was.
Can some member please help me?
Thanks,
Marty
June 20, 2012, 09:38
Jim BielefeldtLooks to be a 18s Hampden.
June 20, 2012, 10:18
Martin WagnerThanks Jim, and I do agree now that I tok the time to compare it to some Hampden movement pictures.
Appreciate your time,
Marty
June 20, 2012, 11:41
Jim BielefeldtNot a problem, I love hampdens and when I saw the regulator and the pattern on the balance cock it was a dead give away. It looks to have a low serial number, hope you get it.
June 20, 2012, 14:39
Martin WagnerHi Jim:
Well, I got that Hampden, perhaps for a bit more than I should have paid, but what's the money for at my age except food & capricious things?
Marty
June 20, 2012, 16:54
Richard M. JonesMarty that is a nice example of Hampden private label.
June 20, 2012, 17:27
Martin WagnerThanks Deacon.
The Davry family have lived in Mechanicville, NY for over 150 years, but I have yet to find a jeweler amongst them.
Believe this watch may have been a special personal order or perhaps an award or retirement type thing.
Marty
June 20, 2012, 18:26
Tom BrownIn 1892 there was a William G. Davry living in Saratoga County NY that was listed as a jeweler in the New York State Census. He was born about 1858 & was married to a Emma H.
June 20, 2012, 19:06
Martin WagnerThat's my man as Mechanicville is in Saratoga County in N.Y. state.
I gave up my subscription to Ancestry awhile back, and really have no need for it now, but appreciate you taking the time to relate this to me.
Marty
June 25, 2012, 11:43
Martin WagnerThought I would follow-up on this Hampden private label that just arrived this morning, and thank you all for your help & input.
Here is a great example of a watch that has probably been hidden in a drawer for the last 80+ years, as witnessed by the almost black patina, which I do not plan to remove. The dial is perfect with a capital "P", and although it started ticking on the 4th wind I suppose it could use a servicing sometime in the near future.
I am most pleased with this purchase and have shown 3 scans for yor interest.
June 25, 2012, 20:48
Jim BielefeldtNice photos.
To each their own, to bad its got that dirt... I mean patina, on it.

June 26, 2012, 00:37
David AbbeMartin, to many of us, watches are not like "Dirty Money", they are instruments of time that should show their (shiny) best at all times "reflecting" their value and reputation as fine pieces of historically significant workmanship. In short, these American watches were made when the rest of the world still thought we could barely make horse shoes.
Your Hampden is an excellent example with a near perfect dial (what looks like) original hands, and a very high quality case and Private labelled movement. Let it "Shine on".