Hi all,

I have a 1906 18s Hamilton 974 # 491117 that says "J.C. Hunt" Special on the movement. Is that a privete label movement?

It just says Hamilton Watch Co. in script on the dial.

Thank you!

Regards,
Larry

Yes, J. C. Hunt was a jeweler apparently and had Hamilton make some watches with his name on them.

The watch is a Grade 924, not 974 BTW.

I would say Yes, it is a private label movement. But the dial is probably not original to the movement.

Hello Larry:

From Roy Ehrhardt and Bill Meggers "American Pocket Watches Identification and Price Guide" published January, 1987 I found the following listing for a private-label:
Hunt, J.C. -Special-Superior, Nebraska on a Rockford 16 size, 7 jewel, open face.

You say your watch is 18 size, but a Grade 974 that is a 16 size.

Larry

Yes, as Ed said Larry, it is a 924. My eyes can play tricks on me in my old age.

I was wondering that about the dial Mike. To bad they had to change it. Well at least I got to see one in person. The guy that found it is also from Nebraska. Very interesting, Thank you!

Now to see if I can make it look good again.

Thank you everyone for your help.

Regards,
Larry

Larry,
If the private label movement meant something sentimental or nostalgic to me, it wouldn't bother me one bit if the dial signature didn't match the private label name on the movement! As someone once said, "They ain't makin' these things anymore!"

For a two cent piece I will throw this down :

There is no way to know if a PL watch once had a PL dial that matched the PL mvmt

Some PL mvmts had matching PL dials while others did not and vice-versa

regards,
bb

Hamilton 491117 is actually a Grade 926 finished March 6, 1906, and sold June 30, 1906 to a Chicago wholesaler.