I got a good buy on this Lancaster Watch Co New Era 7 jewel KW/KS. It is not a top-of-the line model, but I liked it, so I gave it a try and was surprised that I won. It is in a coin silver case (warranted, trade #1 mark, coin silver - Fahys's ?).

Here are some pictures using my new light box that Eric made. I'm still experimenting trying to get everything set up right.

Here is the dial - very good with no hairlines or cracks. Just a small smudge mark near 11:00.

Dave Abbe posted one a few months ago that had no timing screws on the balance - only mean time screws. Mine does have both, so not unique in that aspect. But it does have a lever "fork" that I haven't seen before, although it may be common. It it shaped like a horseshoe and gets close to but doesn't quite touch the escape pinion. I hope you can see it in this picture.

Mary Ann,

Nice pick up. Your pictures are clear and bright with no hot spots. Perfect.

Can't quite see what you are getting at with regard to the horseshoe lever fork.

John III

Mary Ann, That nifty pallet lever "fork" was intended to balance the mass on both sides of the pallet Fork pivot making it less "gravity dependent". You will see this effected in many ways, perhaps the most dramatic version is called a "Moustache Pallet Fork" which looks like a fancy wide angled "slingshot".

Thanks, Dave, for the explanation! I learn something every time I visit here!

I add the link to the post about Lancaster as it has many things in common with Mary Ann's watch.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...?r=55710483#55710483

Most notably on both is the "full circle" pallet Bridge which later became a trademark part used exclusively for Hamilton 16s 3/4 plate movments.

While often poo-pooed by the "elitist" collectors, the Lancaster (and Hampden 18s) movements were actually predicators to Hamilton Watch designs as they were developed under the supervision of Charles D Rood later (also) of Hamilton watch Co., who by marraige to Caroline L. Abbe was the Brother in law to James Abbe, co-founder of Hampden Watch Co. and President of the "McKinley Foudation", making it not very surprising that Hampden produced a lot of "McKinley" watches. Most notable of the "Rood effect" from Hampden is the 2-screw cap clamping Balance spring stud holder and the notoriously weak Lever return spring used for all Hampden and Hamilton 18s Lever set ewatches.

I'm with you on that Mary Ann....Except one additional notation, I learn something everytime I read one of Dave's posts....

Keep'em coming Dave....

Regards,
Jerry