Antique Clocks, Pocket Watches, Etc.

An 18 Size Private Label Hampden Pocket Watch With 15 Jewels Circa 1879 Made Especially For Mr. Henry Weidemann Housed In a Dueber KW/KS Coin Silver Hunter's Cased Pocket Watch Runs Well & Keeps Good Time Care To Own The Uniqness Of A Private Label Watch?

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to look at our listing! This watch has a couple of unique features that will set it apart from most watches. First of all, this watch was made a little over 2 years after the company was founded in 1877. Secondly, this watch is a Private Label watch that was made especially for Mr. Henry Weidemann and he received it in the second half of 1879. His name can be seen on the top of the movement. Cooksey Shugart, in his book "Complete Price Guide To Watches", states that, "It was common practice for watch manufacturers to personalize watches for...individuals." Yet I have seen very few, out of several hundred pocket watches. Private Label watches on full plate movements, such as this movement, would have required a month's advanced notice and the cost would be 80 cents. So apparently, sometime in the second half of 1879, Mr. Henry Weidemann contacted his local Jeweler or Pocket Watch Store, to request a 15 jewel (that was the highest number of jewels that he could have in his movement, due to size requirements), Series 1 Model, Hampden pocket watch. I have looked Mr. Weidemann up in Google and several other sources, and wasn't able to find anybody of note for that time period. So he was just a regular person, who thought it would be neat to have his name on the watch's movement. And I agree with him! I wish that I could have my name on a watch's movement or dial! But those times have passed... Back to the description of the watch. The watch is housed in a Duber Coin Silver (90% pure silver) Hunter's case. Another interesting note about this watch company. Mr. Dueber, the case maker, started to aquire a large interest in the company about 1886. Also at this time, anti-trust laws were being passed and the other case makers formed a boycott against Dueber. So he basically ended up having the choice of selling his case making company, or buying a watch making company. He chose that latter and bought the Hampden Pocket Watch Company. But that was several years after this watch was made. OK, back to the case. The case is still in very good shape. You can still clearly see most of the engraving that has been done to the case, the dial is immaculate and, as this is a Key Wind & Key Set watch, you set the time from the front of the watch. You do this by opening the front cover of the watch, which may need a little help, but opens, and stays open to a clean 90 degree angle, and then you lift up on the front bezel from the 6:00 position. The dial is a triple sunk dial and is in immaculate condition, i.e. no nicks, scratches, or mars! All of the hands are still nicely blued steel and the dial has written across the front, "Hampden Watch Co.". To wind the watch, you open the back cover and wind the watch through the hole in the dust cover. Then you lift the dust cover to access the movement, which we have discussed so much. In my honest opinion, this watch has a very attractive movement, which the pictures back up!! I think that we have throughly covered this watch, but the fact that it took so long to describe this watch, shows what an interesting watch it is and how many interesting features this watch has! Because without a doubt, this is a very special and unique watch, with a very, very interesting history! Please be sure to look at the pictures at the end of the text to see more shots of the Pocket Watch!! The price for this piece is $475.00

Our Policy: Short, simple, & to the point! PLEASE, always feel free to ask questions! The buyer pays for shipping, handling, and insurance for the full purchase price of the item, which will be calculated according to where and how the item will be shipped. All items must be insured for the buyer's protection. For payment, we accept Money Orders, Cashier's Checks, or payment through Pay Pal. Personal checks must be held 8 business days so that they can clear first. Pay Pal is our preferred method of payment. If this is what you choose, simply click on the button below to transfer the agreed upon amount, once we have determined the cost of shipping & Insurance. Only damages that cannot be seen and obvious restorations are described. Old wear, minor abrasions, normal traces of use and age are very common to antiques, as this is just normal for items close to or in excess of a century old. Damages and missing parts, which are clearly visible in the pictures, are also not necessarily described. All listed items are authentic, unless otherwise stated, and are described to the best of our knowledge, and we will do our very best to represent them to you fairly and honestly. Any item may be returned if the description turns out to be incorrect AND if for this reason the value of this item is significantly lower than the actual purchase price. If it's something that can be seen in the auction picture, it does not qualify as a valid reason for return. Returns will not be accepted after 15 days. If you have any questions, please ask before bidding, as bidding constitutes your acceptance of having seen the description, this text, the pictures, and your agreement with this policy. Before bidding, please email us when things are not clear. We will gladly answer your questions and provide you with extra information and pictures when needed. If you have any questions, you can E-mail us by clicking on the link below: THANK YOU FOR BIDDING AND GOOD LUCK!!!