August 29, 2010, 13:33
Chris TerrasiHampden Brown Ward
I had this pocket watch for about 40 years. It came with a collection I bought.
The watch face says Hampden Watch Co. and the workings say Brown & Ward East Saginaw MI. Serial number is 163063.
The Case is Duber Coin # 293803. It is closed front and back, with a design on the front.
I can't find any information on Brown Ward. Does anyone know about them.
I want to sell it and was going to list on Ebay, till I came across the name Brown Ward.
August 29, 2010, 14:57
David AbbeThat is very interesing for one simple fact, according to the Hampden Blue Book (available only from IHC185 if you want your own cc), Hampden made about 100, 11 Jewel watches in that serial number series that are "salesman's samples" for different Watch Dealers.
That means that your watch could well be a "one of a kind" signed movement. Also, given the very low serial number, it is very possible these were made from New York Watch Co., Springfield Parts, making it easier to sign the movement.
August 29, 2010, 18:42
Tom BrownBrown & Ward was Alonzo T. Ward born about 1848 in New York, in 1880 & 1900 he is listed as a jeweler with store in Saginaw. Demetrius R. Brown born about 1843 in NY, he is also listed for those years as a jeweler & watchmaker in Saginaw.
After AT Ward died J Will Grant bought his interest & the store became Brown & Grant. Then Grant bought out DR Brown & the store became J.W. Grant.
The image below is a cut out of their listing in the 1883 Eats Saginaw & Saginaw city directory.
August 31, 2010, 15:50
Chris TerrasiThanks a heep....It all makes sense now