Perhaps someone with a little detective work can figure out who the owner might have been, perhaps finding an old image someplace. That would mean that the owner was probably active as a firefighter or fire chief from about 1885 to 1915 and then retired. The timeline presented here is consistent with what I do know about Gillie. Gillie was known to buy items from families upon the members passing and simply never resell them. That would mean that his estate may have sold the watch to Gillie about 1925. Assume that the owner was about 30 at the time the watch was purchased in 1885 and that he passed on 40 years later. We might assume that a young man about 1885 bought this watch either engraved from the factory or had it engraved at a local jewelry store. This is a Hampden watch movement from 1885. There is some information that the watch does tell us. That said, we cannot guarantee that this watch will keep running. Because it has been over 50 years since this watch was last serviced it could use a cleaning and oiling. I cannot verify the accuracy of the timekeeping. This watch has been working strongly on my desk for over two hours. Second I have extensive knowledge about the collection and that this watch was part of the 1970 inventory.ĬONDITION: Running. First, if you look at the engraving and its wear, it is clear that it was original to the watch. I have see a few old pocket watches with very unusual dials or engravings but those appeared to be old watches that were modified in recent years to make more marketable. Then if you wanted to the ultimate give for a fire captain of a modern department, nothing could be more unique. Think of owning a 19th century watch owned by a firefighter that is this classic. It is important that you review my conclusions and come to your own conclusions before bidding.
I have spent a good deal of time studying and researching this watch. Sadly I am unable to provide any specific information to tie this to a specific Captain or Firefighter. This watch came from a collection of watches created by “Gillie” the watch repairman and jeweler in Piqua, Ohio from 1920 to the 1960’s. On the back is hand engraved and very worn the image of a horse drawn steam pumper fire engine. Although very worn, loved and used, this was a Fire Fighter’s or Fire Captain’s watch from the 19th Century. Few items could be more proper to give, than a piece with the history and love that this piece had for a previous firefighter.įor the right buyer this is a priceless museum piece. She had never purchased anything on eBay before. UPDATE: The person that this watch went to, was engaged to a firefighter. You can copy the link and then paste it into your browser.Fire fighter Hampden pocket watch from 1885 Steam pumper fire engine For your convenience the link below will take you to my eBay feedback summary. My eBay name is CHWatch - the same as my eCrater name. If you would like, you can check out my eBay feedback summary with over 1,200 feedbacks - all positive, not even any neutrals. Please note I have been selling these wonderful old watches for many years on eBay and now through this eCrater store. The watch measures 55 mm in diameter, not counting the stem and bow. Both the hands and crystal are in excellent condition. Hands and Crystal: The Dial is complimented with a combination Spade and Pointer set of hands and a beveled glass crystal.
The dial has excellent eye appeal and appears flawless. There are no dents or significant scratches and no initials or dedications.ĭial: The dial is a double sunk porcelain type with bold/fancy hour numbers surrounded by red color five minute markers. The serial number on the movement is 3455398 dating it to 1917.Ĭase: The movement is housed in heavy nickel type case that is marked base metal made by the Keystone Watch Case Co.
The movement has ornate damaskeening and is marked with the Hampden Logo, Canton, O., Safety Pinion, Adjusted to Three Positions, 21 Jewels, and Chronometer. Movement: The 16 size, 21 jewel, pendent setting movement is running with strong motion and keeping good time. The total production of this model was slightly under 3,500. This is a nice example of one of the Hampden Watch Company's 16 size, high grade pocket watches that you don't find very often.