In, or about 1926, I know, Hamilton acquired the Illinois Watch Company. What I do not know is whether or not the Bunn Special model 9 was a pre-Hamilton Illinois mechanism. Can someone please tell me? I may be oversimplifying the matter, but I am guessing that Hamilton used the model 9 as a developmental “springboard” for the mechanism that would become the 161. Thanks

Mark, The model 9 Bunn Special was introduced around 1914 by Illinois. It remained basically unchanged until the last production about 1924. So, the model 9 was totally Illinois. Hamilton bought Illinois in 1928. They kept the factory open until 1933.

Tom

Tom;
Thanks! That was exactly the kind of information that I was seeking.