January 09, 2007, 19:14
Lindell V. RiddleKeith,
The "Complete Guide to Watches" is not 100% complete but it is the best book of its kind ever compiled. Yep, you found one that simply is not listed. As you pointed out these watches do exist. However exactly how many were made will probably never be established.
Unfortunately the Hampden Production Records were apparently lost or destroyed (most likely destroyed) many years ago. But fortunately a group of Hampden collectors led by Bob Arnold and the late Jim Hernick compiled a data-base of serial numbers and descriptions that was published in their book "Hampden Watch Company" which gives us a pretty good glimpse at what was produced.
On page 133 of the aforementioned Hampden Book as part of their rather voluminous serial number listings we find two entries for 23-Jewel New Railway 18-size Hunters. Numbers 1056315 and 1056437 are the ones listed and of course your 1056425 fits in rather neatly between them.
Interestingly 1056031 is a 23-Jewel Special Railway 18-size Hunter and 1056551 is a 21-Jewel John Hancock 18-size Hunter. From that one is left with the impression your watch is probably not too common, which could probably account for why it does not appear in the watch guide.
Hope this is of help to you,
Lindell
