Thought I would share with you my marked 971 from the last run--sn333647. Comments welcomed/////

Nice Tony!Is that lever-set?Looks like a gold train in that one....Regards, Ted.

Sporting a four footer dial, eh?

Looking good - Tony!!!

The 971 is an uncommon movement Tony. I bought one back in March because it was the first nice example I had ever seen for sale (very nice hunter case). It's an earlier (movement #315065) unmarked one, circa 1905 and is pendant set.

That's the first Marked 971 I've seen. They are a tough grade to find.

Dial on 971 movement

One of the Hamilton experts has informed me that my 971 was probably marked 971 after it went back to the factory for some reason/////////
Tony

I'm not a Hamilton expert but I know some were marked, let's say, after production. Often items sat around for years waiting to be sold to distributers and marking the grade would have been a fairly necessary upgrade between the 300,000 SN runs and when some sold. I have a marked 991 that falls into that category as well as one of my 990s.

I've noticed the same thing on some of my early Hamiltons, that have grade markings you wouldn't expect to see based on movement number alone. I agree with Mike, it's when the movement actually sold that counts.

I believe the 971s were all positive pendant set. Someone may have other info. I also think that with 2500 made they are keepers. Anyway we shake it, this watch of Tony's is awesome.

Nice find Tony, my 971 is unmarked but I do have this one; Hamilton 16 size, 21 jewel, Grade 970 Serial No.78413 Date Finished October 11, 1902, Date Sold February 3, 1903 to The Montréal Watch Case Co., Montréal, Québec.

Dial, I need a minute hand.

Swingout case

Montréal Watch Case Co. Imperial 30 year case trademark.