HAMILTON WATCHES PAGE 2

The American Jewelry Company
Leadville, Colorado

A Personalized Hamilton 940

The history of Leadville, Colorado is filled with tremendous color and excitement.  The famous Tabor Opera House attracted a multitude of prominent visitors and entertainers of the day.  People such as Susan B. Anthony, John Phillip Souza, Harry Houdini and many others were often seen around town.  Doc Holliday shot his last man in Leadville after leaving Arizona.  Silver was king.....fortunes were made and lost.  This Hamilton 940 embodies the true history of Leadville, Colorado.

This is really the most incredible Hamilton 940 we have ever had.  All screws and all attachments are gold plated.  The lettering is beautifully gold inlaid.  The damaskeening is wonderful.  The movement is mint.  The movement contains 21 jewels and is fully adjusted.  This watch is loaded with history.  The American Jewelry Company was located in Leadville, not far from where Doc Holliday shot his last man.  The store was very attractive just like this watch. 

  The case is great.  Not only is it made of silver, but the back of the case has the image of a minor with his shovel.  This image is made of gold.  It is worn, but you can still see the beautiful hand engraving.  The sterling silver case weighs about 4 ounces and was made by the Crescent Watch Case Company.  The serial number of this watch is 254603 and was produced in 1906.  The dial is double sunk and has only minor damage by the setting lever and some minor chips at the center, hidden by the hands.  The swing out case has its original extra thick glass crystal.

Over the years, we have had other Hamilton watches that have been marked "Special For Mine Service", but this is the first one that is so directly related to such a famous area of the country.  A very rare and special historically significant pocket watch.  
 

Here are two nice old views of Leadville
Click on them to enlarge

Hamilton 992B With Gold Center Wheel

The Hamilton 992B is probably one of the best work watches ever made for use on the railroad.  The U. S. Government also used many 992B's for military applications.  These can still be found and are marked on the plates U. S. Govt.  Most 992B's come with the standard dial that is marked Railway Special.  These dials were made both out of porcelain and also melamine.  The melamine dials were produced later and are often found with age cracks and flakes.  They did not hold up very well.

The following pictures are of my favorite Hamilton 992B.  The best thing about this watch is that it has a solid gold center wheel.  Most 992B's came with the typical brass center wheel.  Also this watch has a very good looking porcelain dial that is very simple and only marked with the Hamilton name.  This dial is in perfect condition and does not have any hairline fractures or chips.  The seconds bit or chapter is extra large.  This dial is single sunk.

The movement serial number is C71423.  The case is yellow gold filled and is marked 10kt.  The serial number of the case is K032470.  The case is a Hamilton model 11.  The watch was manufactured in either 1942 or 1943.

The opportunity to own a fine Hamilton 992B is very good.  There were many produced and it is still possible to find them in near perfect condition at very reasonable prices.  When interested in buying one, always look for original watches.  Avoid the melamine dials unless they are in near perfect condition.  Try to buy them with good original cases that are free of brass and wear or dents.  Glass watch crystals are a must with these watches and will really enhance the appearance of the pocket watch.  These are great watches and will still provide many years of accurate reliable service.

Antique Time Pocket Watches

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