I listed a Hampden, 18s private label on the big bay. The buyer sent me an email saying the watch was going into a small museum as the only example of an item from that particular retailer they will have.

It's hard to see but the movement is marked with the town, the jeweler, and the date,1902. I know they will enjoy it more than I would.

[ The Private Label dial and movement match. It is from Durant, Iowa, P C Peyton Jewelers.
The Movement reads, PC Peyton, Durant Jewelers, 1902.
I had never seen the date inscribed on a movement.]

The dial

[The dial reads PC Peyton, Durant, IA.]

that is so great!

Good tale Mike.

Over the years I have contacted probably a dozen museums and organizations alerting them of private labels that would be of interest.

As yet I am not aware of any that followed thru with a purchase.

Mike that was very nice to see. Glad they got it. I am from Griswold Iowa and Hampdens were popular among the smaller towns and cities. I have one from Atlantic Iowa and if memory serves Durant is a smaller town. Thanks for the memories.

Thanks, Deacon and Lorne, as well as Peter. The fellow who bought it said the Jewelry store was only open for a few years and they didn't have anything else from that store. I would have given it to them at an even bigger discount but, the case I put it in, was really nice.
His email to me:

"This watch is going in a small museum that was just opened in Durant Ia. P C Payton was the first jeweler in Durant. He was in business from 1887 to 1903.
This will be the only item we have from this business. Thank you
Dale W Trede
Director"

I have a small museum.

Eugene R Buffard Jr.

Director

Please send me all your unusual watches!

Only $10. Admission fee.

Serious I would pay a $10. Admission to see Lindell's sort of (loosely stated) private museum.

Actually Eugene, I only found out about the museum after the sale. I hope it goes to a good spot in a good museum. Better than selling it to a watch butcher and being parted out.

I agree.