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Hampden Private Label "Click" to Login or Register 
Picture of David A. Vasarab
posted
Does anyone have info on Hampden pocketwatches made for J. W. Helfrich located in Carrollton Ohio?
 
Posts: 76 | Location: Parma, Northern Ohio USA | Registered: January 02, 2006
IHC Life Member
Wristwatch Host
Picture of Tony Dukes
posted
Hello David,
Tell us what you know about the Hampdens. Smile
 
Posts: 1953 | Location: Atlanta, Georgia in the U.S.A. | Registered: August 01, 2003
Picture of David A. Vasarab
posted
I'm referring to The Hampden Watch Co.
 
Posts: 76 | Location: Parma, Northern Ohio USA | Registered: January 02, 2006
Picture of David A. Vasarab
posted
This is a sz 18.
 
Posts: 76 | Location: Parma, Northern Ohio USA | Registered: January 02, 2006
IHC President
Life Member
Picture of Lindell V. Riddle
posted

Hi David,

The only data-base on Hampdens that I'm aware of was published as part of the Hampden book put together by the late Jim Hernick along with our friend Bob Arnold some years ago. Your serial number and other specific details would be helpful in our trying to find whatever information might be available.

Lindell

Wink
 
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Picture of David A. Vasarab
posted
Hello, The movement # is 272079, about 1883 I believe.
J.W. Helfrich was an optometrist and jeweler in Carrollton Carroll County Ohio.
Thanks,
Dave
 
Posts: 76 | Location: Parma, Northern Ohio USA | Registered: January 02, 2006
IHC President
Life Member
Picture of Lindell V. Riddle
posted

David,

That's a fairly low serial number!

The Hernick and Arnold book shows 272018 listed as an 18-size 15-Jewel Open-Face Nickel Plates, Model 3, Lever-Set, with a "Gate City" reference. Then 272045 is essentially similar except is is an 11-Jewel Grade 57 movement. Yours would fit in next and the next reference is 272270 which is also an 11-Jewel Grade 57 according to the list.

This topic may cause someone with a similar watch or additional information to comment. I have often wondered how many private label watches, especially those from small town jewelers may indeed be one-of-a-kind items. Regardless of how many or how few surface they are a unique piece of the puzzle and therefore worthy of exploration.

So far as production years the Hampden experts differ, but the early 1880s would be close. By the way on page 106 of "Springfield to Moscow: The Complete Dueber-Hampden Story" by James W. Gibbs we find an interesting grid depicting differing theories of production years. Chapter 185 will be soon be selling this book and others as part of our fundraising efforts.

Hampdens are among the most underappreciated of watches, thanks for drawing attention to them.

Lindell

Wink
 
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
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