Were melamine dials all glossy? Here is an example of a dial that has a flat finish. This is an original Hamilton dial.

Larry

IHC Member 25
IHC Life Member (L6)

The numbers are glazed like typical dials.

IHC Member 25
IHC Life Member (L6)

All the Hamilton Melamine 24-hour dials I have seen have a flat finish.

Larry Buchan


IHC Charter Member 28
IHC Life Member (L7)

Larry,

You have raised an important and often confusing subject. To answer your first question, from what I have found the early melamine or "composite" dials did have a fairly smooth finish. Later versions were dull almost chalky looking.

You are right that your dial is a correct melamine Hamilton "Full Numerical" Dial. The numbers will have a sheen about them as they are painted on the melamine surface. Extreme care must be exercised with these dials as the white surface is easily marred and the painted markings can be flaked or polished away. Often the red is faded. When storing or shipping it might be wise to wrap them in waxed paper for protection.

There are two other similar looking dials and it is important to be able to spot which is which.


S. LaRose Reproduction (their# 036004) of the above Hamilton Dial...

It is important to scroll back and forth to compare the two dials above as they are very similar, but there are recognizable differences. Neither dial is really "Double-Sunk" but rather a one-piece stamping. The LaRose reproduction is a better quality enameled finish which is brighter, whiter and smoother than the original. It is the dial of choice for any 992B that you intend to carry and use. Here is a previous related topic...

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/108604...166069722#7166069722

Look closely at differences in both the red 5-minute numerals and the black marginal minute numbers. You will notice for example the 6, 7, 8 and 9 all are different from the original. The two dials employ slightly different fonts.

The "7" is the easiest for me to remember. The marginal minute 7 on the original has a curved downstroke where the reproduction is straight. "The Hamilton Railway Special" is far heavier and easier to read on the reproduction.


Details of the LaRose reproduction Hamilton Railway Special dial...

The third example is an original Double-Sunk Porcelain Hamilton BM or "Blind Man's" Numerical Dial. These are somewhat uncommon and will generally show up on the early 992B examples under C200000 or thereabouts. Terry Hall has been compiling records on these dials and may be able to narrow the serial number range further.

One of the most noticeable traits of these dials is that the big "5" and the big "7" are complete whereas on the later original melamine version and the LaRose reproduction they are "clipped" so the inner portion is missing.


Double-Sunk Porcelain Hamilton BM Numerical Dial on early 992B...

Thanks guys. I learned something today.

Larry

IHC Member 25
IHC Life Member (L6)