This watch is dear to me because i have lived in Springfield Mass. since 1955 and would like to get it right so here goes.The movement is marked Hampden Watch Co. Springfield Mass. and is numbered 257289 a nice early one about 1884 and is a lever set it keeps great time.My question is the dial correct it has a picture of a train fired into the dial and has a sunken secound hand ring.Both front and rear covers a screw on the rear cover has a picture of o building with a steeple like top and has a bridge and trees along side.The movement measures 42-43 mm and the dial measures 46 mm.This watch is a keepeer for me and would like to get it correct.If anybody has the correct case and dial i would like to purchase them.
Thanks Perry

another picture

another picture from Perry

Perry,s watch

rear cover

front of movement

Perry,
Your Hampden is an 18s,15j,O.F., model 3. It looks to be a grade 60, but not exactly, so I`m not absolutely sure on that. It dates to about 1883. It is adjusted so I would say it was "Railroad" grade.
The case (Philadelphia W.C. Co.) is appropriate for this period. Perhaps a "Dueber" case would be more appropriate but finding these movements in other brand cases is not uncommon.
The "butterfly" hands are very attractive and proper.
The dial numerals and style seem to be correct but the train pic on the dial looks to either be painted on or maybe a decal (are you sure it`s fired on?). I don`t think it came from the factory like that, but I am no expert.
All in all you have a very nice and attractive Hampden in great condition. If it were me, I would leave it as it is unless I knew the pic was a decal and the Hampden name in script was under the decal. In that case I would soak the decal off.

Perry,

It is impossible to tell for sure without seeing your dial first hand, but I would not be so quick to assume that it is incorrect. If the train is in fact "fired into the dial" (under the glaze), then it is most likely an original and is also a fairly rare and collectible dial.

As a collector of these type of dials, I believe this is the first Hampden I've seen with this specific scene. I have seen similar dials in several variations on Waltham's and Elgin's as well as other Hampden's with trains on the dial.

Assuming the dial is correct, I would highly recommend keeping and enjoying the watch as it is.

Regards,

Rhett

Perry,

Here's another Hampden with a train fired into the dial.

Hi Perry,
Welcome to IHC 185, our people/friendly chapter willing and ready to help all!

P. S. Love your Hampden. Great dial!

I am not an expert on these, but my "spider sense" tells me that your dial is probably an original. Pretty spectacular to me.

Thank you all for your replies.I tried putting a razor blade on the edge of the train picture and there is no edge at all the glaze seems to go over the train.Guess i will keep it.Is it uncommon not to have the name of the watch co. on the dial?

Thanks Again Perry

Perry,

Glad to hear the dial appears straight and that your planning to keep the watch together. Over the years, too many of these type of dials have been removed from their original movements and placed on higher grade or flashier movements.

To answer your question, the lack of the manufacturers name is uncommon but not unheard of with these type of special order dials.

Rhett