August 02, 2017, 05:52
Lindell V. RiddleAll my life I have noticed that something appearing in print can be difficult to correct, even when it is in error.
So, I will link-up this topic to Help Update the "Complete Guide to Watches" and recommend any suggestions to improve the "Complete Guide to Watches" be posted there. Nearly every year we bring that forum to the attention of the watch guide editors.
Most of the suggestions I have made over the years have been used. For example, my complete re-write of Grade Numbers and descriptions for the South-Bend section, proper recognition of Hamilton 992-Elinvar Variants using my images for illustration as well as the three 999B variations are now explained in the Ball-Hamilton section. As an active collector I have never tried to suggest valuation revisions as that would in my opinion be a conflict of interests that I would feel obligated to avoid.
Positive comments and suggestions always get positive attention.
By the way, perhaps low value and lack of interest in early non-standard 16-size Hamiltons could be related to the fact they do not fit a standard case, and I see on the list Harry cited above only 2 Railroad Grades (Open-Face 972 and the companion Hunter 973) like it or not, our hobby is first and foremost nearly "laser-focused" on Railroad Grade Pocket Watches. Over the years of my involvement that has been the fastest growing and the most rapidly appreciating segment. I agree, the 16-Jewel Grades 976 and 977 are interesting, but unfortunately the serious RR Collector has little if any interest in them. Consider also that by the dawn of the 20th Century both Hamilton and Illinois (the 2 watch companies most popular with collectors) were producing only "fully-jeweled" movements, by definition those comprised of 17 or more jewels.
Hopefully at least some of this post will be helpful,
Lindell
