Funny thing....

I was looking at some cases recently and found a Hamilton signed, 16size shown below.

Does anyone know how and when these cases were used by Hamilton? I wonder why Shugart doesn't include them in the book.

Peter, I know the 956 was factory cased in a variety of Hamilton hallmarked cases like yours.

Tom

The following 16 size movements were offered "Factory Cased" in the 1918-19 era Hamilton "Timekeeper".

950, 952, 954, 956, 990, 994.

Robert

Peter....

These are not an easy find... in good condition...

Peter, yours is from about 1919 from boxed sets I have seen.

These cases were indeed used in the teens as you are hearing on many of the Hamilton models, some were triple hinge and some even made in 14 K Solid Gold.

Hope this helps and Happy Hunting!

Peter,

Hamilton made about 4 early factory cases. The one you are showing is the type I believe were used on the 956. Most all correct 956's that I have seen including boxed examples come in this case.

The 994 were factory cased in the 14K and non gold cases.

Peter,
is your example a 'clam shell'...?

(you open the front cover, the the movement swings to the side?)

Terry....

Yes, that's exactly how my case opens, it's quite possible that the bow was changed.

The Clam Shell case seemed to be offered with the 956 movement...and not often the higher grades

The Swing Ring and the Triple hinge were offered with the higher grade movements according to the catalog page....

Also, the April 1997 article in THE BULLETIN gives some additional info on these cases...

The clamshells were used mainly on the lesser grades and not usually the high grades, but they are still neat cases and being they are old cases, finding any of them in good or better condition is a hard thing to do.

Also, Lindell, yours probably dates to 1919 as well, although I do have a couple very close in serial number to yours that are late 1919 or early 1920 and one, only a few thousand numbers different from your case is engraved 10/7/20 which is probably/obviously when it was sold by the jeweler. The clams are neat in design and I wish more were still with us and not worn away. Happy "early Hamilton case" Hunting!

Let's try it now...... ok working...
This is a scan from Ehrhardt's book, attributed to 1913... of course it is showing only a triple hinge....

And here is Ehrhardt scan from "Red Book" circa 1919...

The Hamilton Model 956 from 1918-19 "Timekeeper".

Robert

Tom,
Often times, yellow and green or white will have 'different' serial number sequences...

don't know why though....

Ham clam shell # 10124230 on 996 #1182865
Engine turning is worn, but no brass.

I have another, but can't find it. Better condition, but has a guys name in the inside back lid.

Here is a 1911 Hamilton 950 (SS # 785,630) with a 14k solid gold Hamilton factory triple hinged case # 6415033.

Ethan, It appears your watch is original. Or I should say movement original to the case, movement dating to a finishing date of 1911 by the Gelson list and the case is a dead on match by serial number of the same year when compared to boxed sets I have seen.

The factory markings inside.

More markings.

Nice gold case!

I will make an attempt to dig out the top hinge examples I have.. to me, the style and appearance is contemporary with the other examples...

.

Here is a swing ring (swinging up towards pendant)... this one has a 952 in it...engine turned back...

and the markings...

Here is a second one, swing ring, swing towards pendant... ET back... it has a 990...

and the mark

just 4 fun

this is a CLAMSHELL.... swing DOWN Bezel, swing to the side center ring

Clamshell markings...

Just a lowly 956

This example has had the hinge repaired... when I got it, it was a "pair case"... * the hinge was broken *

Now here is a triple hinge... reeded center ring, engine turned back...lever cut

curvette...

marking...

it has a 950....

Terry,

Thanks for sharing your nice selection of cases.

Robert