Here is a little something I picked up this weekend.

This watch is near mint condition.

The case is marked Mermord Jacard & Co

14 kt

St Louis

I'll change the photo soon.

A

H

B

The area below the word cold is where they get scratch up from a knife opening up the dust cover.

This one has not even been open a half dozen times or so.

It looks like a few hairlines.

Wow, Good Stuff!

Gene, you have an absolutely fascinating watch! Notwithstanding the condition, and the signed 14K case, this watch has a number of "extra" novelties of it's own; (I brightened up your pic a little to help this . . .)

1. It is in direct sequence of a run of "John C. Deuber Special" movements all marked "Adjusted Heat and Cold", which is hardly wnat one would consider "Railroad" grade.

2. Yet it is signed "M J * * Railroad Watch"

3. The 700,000 serial number places it at 1890 which is when the Hampden first began actual production in Canton and the watches produced were still thought to be using many "old" Springfield factory parts.

4. The fact that Mermod amd Jaccard (The Midwest equivalent of Tiffany's) was persuaded to sell a "Fake" RR watch is testimony to the persuasive talents of Mr. J.C.Deuber at that time.

An incredible piece and worth more research.

I love how Gene casually said he 'picked this up' like he found it up at a yardsale or something.

MAN that's gorgous watch, my friend! Looks like it even has a Teske regulator!

HIGH regards! Mark

Dave in 1890 would this be considered a rail road watch?

It is not Marked 15 jewel but is marked Adjusted to heat and cool.

They do mark it as a 2 star watch. I think I have 2 more of these. Here is 700950.

And 1 more at the bank. It is in a Gold filled Box Hinge.

The dial.

Case back. Gold filled

I don't think Hampden started pushing the 17j 18s until 1891 I would think a 15j adjusted to Heat/Cold/Iso would have been ok for most if not all railroad companies. Adjusted to heat/cold/iso, patent regulator, 15j, hunter, open, pendant, lever would have worked unless someone can show otherwise.

This was the standard from the Jeweler's Circular as late as Sept 1891

A.H. Murphy, the jeweler, has been appointed inspector for Erie Railroad of the watches to be carried by all engineers, firemen, conductors, brakemen and yardmasters employed by the Lake Shore road. Each employe must own and carry a watch with not less than fifteen jewels, patent regulator, adjusted to heat and cold, and subject to inspection at least once in two weeks by Mr. Murphy.

Gene that is a dandy watch and as a Hampden collector I am envious. On second thought it is probably a Swiss fake and you should sell it to me for $25. JUST KIDDING! But if you want to sell it keep me in mind and thanks for the pictures.

Richard here is a link to another Hampden I have for sale. I'll probly pull it an put a mainspring in it. So It can bring a bigger price.

LINK

Nice Hampden Gene.I knew M.J. Co, but never heard of one by Hampden before.This has to be pretty scarce.

They are in the big watch guide under Hampden.

As for as scarce. I have know idea. I own three how scarce can they be.

The book lists them as 2 stars.

I have seen one other in bad condition on eBay about 4 years ago.
It need a lot of work. I did not win. and it was most likely a good thing I did not win.


Does anyone else have a M.J. Co Railroad Watch

Gene, maybe you have the last three ever . . . As far as RR greade, Claude pretty much hit the nail on the head, when it passed inspection it was RR. (Psst. Do not BREATHE A WORD TO any of the RR grade "authorities" that H & C adj was OK for {some} RR's!)

It is what it is.
Thanks Dave for your knowledge.
I value your opinion.

I'm sure it would not pass muster with the regulator moved all the way down.

Gene, the fun thing would be to see how close it could be brought to RR time with a service and some TLC . . . Though I expect Messrs. M & J Co. may have been more likely to sell one to a lucky Riverboat Gambler or some Saint Louie beer guy named "Busch".