I recently bought a Hampden 18s here on IHC and noticed it was a pretty early one. Several things stand out; 1, it is a Model II marked "Springfield Mass" and that makes it early; 2, it has a 231427 Serial number which puts it in about 1882; 3, the Damaskeen pattern looks more like the NY watch than the Hampden. Is there anything I should know about this before I put $$$ into a case and possible repair? Obviously I bought then researched.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...6095371/m/7253951777

Guess I don't fully understand the question....

But...

I believe the Hampden Watch Co.- Springfield, Mass. in business from 1877-1888 was prior to that

The New York Mfg. Co.- Springfield, Mass. 1875-1876 and was reorganized at that time into Hampden Watch Co..

It is a Model 2 as you described.

The Hampden collectors [Deacon & Others] will love it, to others it will be less of an attraction. [Sort of like a Hamilton collector looking down on an Elgin], if you will

Early watches & companies are interesting, and are part of the history of watchmaking in America.

regards,
bb

Mike I hope you're happy with it brother. The mvmt looked good but it does need a nice hunter case. Im sure it could used a good COA as well.

As Buster says its an early part of American watchmaking history.

Mike,

I looked in the Hampden Watch Co. book by Hernick and Arnold and the watch seems to be correct (movement, dial, and hands) as far as I can tell. The online database lists it as a Grade 32 from approximately 1883 with an estimated production of 3,300.

RR

Thanks all. Buster, I just wouldn't want to put real money into a watch that is common and dull. Joseph, It was just as described and photographed. I just bought it as a possibility of sticking it into a Deuber HC, but if it is one of 250,000 I won't bother.
Richard, thanks and you answered the production number. I don't think it is a particularly rare or sought after movement.

I'm just not very familiar with Hampdens and thought there would be some who are. It's kind of a nice looking watch and does need service. I knew that going in. I'll probably wait until I get back to Oregon and clean it and try adjusting it a bit.

Just wanted to make sure you were happy

All is well. The watch is running and after a bit of tweaking it looks so far to be keeping pretty good time. Some of the Hampden guys will let me know what I should do.

Mike,

The demaskeening is pretty neat - imho - it's a keeper... They all don't have to be railroad grade to be keepers, eh?

Thanks Jon

Mike the damasceening pattern , as I recall, looks much like patterns found on the Perry and maybe Continental models of that period. John Dueber was careful to make use of all the New York parts he could and there were apparently quite a few completed movements and parts available. I have notice that some damasceening patterns seem to carry over from New York to Hampden as did some model names.