Hamilton salesman's display case

September 12, 2009, 21:30

Gary E. Foster

I have some questions regarding salesman's display cases. First off, were movements placed in cases at the factory, and if so, how was it determined what movement to put in these cases? I gather that new improved models would have a preference. Second, is there some time frame that would determine an appropriate movement to a particular case? Third, are there different styles or models of cases, as with RR model cases? I picked up a Hamilton display case today and would like to find a nice period movement for it. Finally, there is a cutout for the setting lever, is this original? All information appreciated, and I would certainly like to see some photos . Thanks. Gary

September 13, 2009, 06:42

Phillip Sanchez

Gary, Interesting questions. I hope we get some answers from the experts.

September 13, 2009, 12:38

Jerry King

I agree with Phil, you have posed some interesting questions regarding the Salesman Display Cases....

My guess is that most of the display cases came from the jeweler and he would put the movement of his choice in a case for his salesmen....just a guess though....others with more knowledge will add their input, I'm sure....

Regards,
Jerry

September 13, 2009, 15:10

Lindell V. Riddle

Hello Gary,

What we call salesman's sample or display cases were used to display a watch pocket watch movement, hands and dial without the bother of fumbling with a case as well as to avoid the risk of foreign matter entering the movement while being demonstrated. These cases were originally designed to simply hold a movement for display purposes, to be a plain-looking utilitarian item, not intended for retail sale.

These pocket watch sample cases came in both 16 and 18-size configuration. They were stamped out of nickel and in the instance of Hamilton, Illinois and Dueber-Hampden carried the watch company name. The fact they were originally inexpensive, often a give-away item to the retailer to help sell watches more readily, distributed in great numbers along with the fact nickel stands up to the ravages of time survival rate is high. They still show up piled in boxes left over from use by retail jewelers.

In this instance of your specific example you mention the lever-cut but did not mention case size. If it is a 16-size Hamilton, check to see if the crown "snaps" into position for a pendant-set movement. That allows a careful collector to occasionally carry such a case and show off their watch while still keeping risk to a minimum. When these are used with a lever-set movement even occasional carrying of the watch would not only be inconvenient due to setting issues, but removing the bezel with any regularity will cause wear that will keep it from snapping shut securely. In other words they are really are a "display only" item.

An increasing number of collectors are using sample cases to display their collection, this will continue to find favor as "gold-scrapping" goes on and more cases are lost forever, far too many dealers look only at short term gain. With this sad and deplorable situation I expect sample cases to be in greater demand for housing some of the more interesting movements.

One more thing, there were also heavier made view-back pocket watch cases that were made specifically to permit the user to show off their movement under glass and today many wrist watches are produced with that desirable feature.

Lindell

Pendant-Set Ball-Waltham ORRS in sample case...

September 13, 2009, 16:42

David Abbe

These Factory display cases that Lindell has described so well were part of a "family" of styles and three other types I have seen are;
First; Waltham's double Glass faced "Can" that is wire sling-mounted in a wooden box. (pic)
Second; Cases made specifically without bows which seemed to be for "show" but are non-apecific to manufacturer.
Third; Some regular production watch cases that Watchmakers cut out the back cover and installed a Glass crystal so the owners could better "show off" their fine watch without opening it.

September 14, 2009, 13:13

Larry Buchan

I have a Hampden 18 size sling mounted display case, it is styled more like a conventional watch case. I will post a picture later.

Larry

September 16, 2009, 00:31

Gary E. Foster

Thanks for the replies everyone, the case I had referred to is a size 16, Hamilton marked piece.
The stem does snap into winding position and the back bezel is not as snug as the front. Regards. Gary

September 17, 2009, 13:04

Richard M. Jones

Hi Gary, I can remember seeing display cases without crystals trashed behind a jewelery store in Atlantic Iowa. Interestingly, Dueber-Hampden cases were made without bails as they were for display only. Also Dueber cases are sometimes found with a gold wash at least in 18 size. I have a 23j New Railway in one. Finally, Jewelers could purchase better quality nickle snap on cases presumably for other makes. I have had a few and they are just a bit nicer than say the Hamilton cases. Also, some people have made display cases out of nickle cases with screw backs and bezels.

September 17, 2009, 23:20

Mike LaForest

I have always assumed display backs were all on open face cases, threaded, and interchangeable with the front bezel until I found this hunter case model that has a snap-on glass back.

The case maker's logo is plain to see and fairly common. Does anyone know the name of the case maker?

September 17, 2009, 23:28

Tom Brown

Mike

Nice case & watch. That symbol was from the Dueber Watch Case Mfg. Company, Canton & Cincinnati, OH & Chicago, Il., it was issued July 19, 1887 for claim Filled Cases for watches. This is from page 99 of US Horological Trademark Index by Meyers.

Tom

September 17, 2009, 23:44

Mike LaForest

Much grass, Tom! I inked it in Cooksie's book where it is not identified. I presume he is turned away from his bench and holding up a watch there that reads about 12:15. He's got knobby knees. Haha!

September 18, 2009, 00:23

Tom Brown

Well your better at deciphering that than me, I had no idea what he was doing.

Tom

September 18, 2009, 10:35

Mike LaForest

Either he is holding up a pocket watch, or he is "shielding" something from harm - as would a watch case; something like that.

June 20, 2011, 07:40

Mike Channon

The logo is a naked Gladiator holding a shield in one hand and a sword in the other.