I just bought a Hamilton 940 private label marked L. Engwiller Mansfield, Ohio Special. I was wondering if any of you Ohio people would have any information on L. Engwiller.

Thanks
Tom

Here are a few photos after I serviced it.

Movement

Name of dial.

Name on movement

Hi Tom,

I also have an Engwiller Hamilton. Mine is a PS 975 c1903, with the dial and movement marked "L Engwiller, Mansfield, O." I picked it up because my family is originally from that area.

I googled Engwiller and Mansfield, and the name is now associated with a real estate firm in central Ohio. It's only a guess, but I assume Engwiller started as a dry goods mercantile that sold a variety of things, including an occasional private label watch.

If we both have one, I expect there are more out there!

Best,

Tom

Thanks Tom

I also googled the name & came up with the same info about the real estate firm too. I was just hoping maybe someone would have known the name.

I also found a list on the internet where some one has a Rockford with the same last name & city but they show S. instead of L.

I picked this one up on ebay, I got it pretty cheap I don't think too many people knew what it was.

Thanks again
Tom

Hi Tom,
I just joined the IHC because I googled this man also, found your post and wanted to respond.

I just bought on eBay a Hamilton 940 marked SPECIAL. It has the same exact same signature on the dial and the movement plate as yours. My s/n is 234904. Wish I knew more.

Bob Sobrito

Boy that sure is a pretty movement.

Hi Robert

Welcome to the club. I will look for the additional information I found on this jeweler, I have census records & city directory listings. I will post them when I find them on my pc.

I would enjoy seeing photos of your watch!

Tom

Tom,
Could the “L” be an S as in Samuel Engwiller. Listed in city directory as Sorg & Engwiller (Sigmund Sorg, Samuel Engwiller), jewelery and watches at 72 N. Main Street

Tom, I think Ray is on to something. I believe the first initial is an S. Look at the word Special below it.... Nice find.
Vince

Ray

Yes it is Samuel, I posted this watch back before I started all my research & I never went back & corrected this post.

Tom

Samuel Engwiller was born May 1855 in Pa. according to the 1900 census for Mansfield Ohio. He is listed as a jeweler & optician

This image is from the 1894 Mansfield City Directory

This is his obit from the Mansfield News dated 02/17/1922