February 03, 2008, 15:07
Robert SchusselUnappreciated rarities--how I hit the jackpot
Unappreciated Rarities—Hampden Grade 340 17 jewel Model 4 Unadjusted— marked steel escape wheel.While the OF and Hunter 17 jewel Hampden grade 340s are unlikely to excite many of the Hamilton and Illinois RR collectors, the Model Grade 340 are very scarce.
Serial numbers in the Hampden Watch Co. Book suggest that only 300 or 400 blocked serial numbers for the Hunter 340s were reserved. The serial numbers run from 2,991,760 to 973. I just acquired a lower one—712. The Hunter version is unusual in that it is lever set.
The Open Face version appears to be even rarer. Only one serial number is listed –2,991,548. The next lowest serial number is 2.990, 566—about 1,000 lower. The 340 I acquired is 2,991,453.
It may be pure coincidence but all of the Hampden Grade numbers in the 300 series above 310 are quite rare—320,327,340 and 366. Whether they were special orders will never be known.
HOW I ACQUIRED THE 340S.
Both of the 340s were acquired over a two week period on EBay for a combined total of $160 for the both of them—not much more than what parts watches go for.
While Hampdens may not be as exciting as some brands it still can bring one a lot of pleasure.
Bob
Below is the Hunter mvt
