Mint 18 Size Hampden 7 Jewel Key Wind/Set Pocket Watch Start Price USD 175.00 Current Price USD 175.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, August 27, 2008 End Time Wednesday, September 03, 2008 Location Hampton Falls, New Hampshire See more about 'Mint 18 Size Hampden 7 Jewel Key Wind/Set Pocket Watch' Description Hampden 18 Size 7 Jewel Key Wind The Key Wind/Key Set 18 Size (almost 45 Millimetres) Hampden shown was made in Springfield Mass. Between 1879 and 1880 about 5 years after they started producing watches (Serial #151,039).   It’s only 7 jewels, but the condition is exceptional.  The gilding of the full plate is about as clean as it gets.  The hand-painted Roman numeral single sunk porcelain dial is flawless.      The Dueber Silverine case is in excellent condition, closing tightly all around. Note the large gold timing screws in the split, temperature compensated bi-metallic balance.  Also the gold banking pins and splashy nickel key guard. The watch is very clean, watch runs well and the balance seems to have proper motion but I can’t guarantee when last it was cleaned and oiled.  The watch is being sold As Is:  A very clean example of an early Hampton watch company key wind watch in good running order, winding and setting smoothly with a mint dial.  Rarely do you find an American watch signed only on the dial.  Notice there is a serial number and “Springfield, Mass.” --  the home of Hampden Watch Company --   in big letters on the plate,   This watch will make an excellent addition to any Hampden watch collection. The watch is going on 130 years old and you can be sure that with proper maintenance it will run another hundred years or more and keep good time.    It’s an example of American Art in Mechanism, functional art. If it is to be worn on a daily basis for any length of time I always recommend that an antique watch be cleaned and/or at the least oiled.  I suggest that if the new owner has this service performed that they make no changes to the adjustment.  It seems to run well enough for many years of show and tell in a collection. If you have anything to add, questions, or more photos are desired please do not hesitate to ask or call it to my attention.  If you like the starting price, add a bit of excitement and get things rolling early in the auction.   Be one-up on the under bidder and save me some anxiety.   Bids at the last possible second will also be gratefully accepted. When bidding please allow $10.00 for careful Packing, Handling, Shipping and Insurance within the US, Priority Mail.   You can make any adjustments for that figure at your end.   I ship insured as a matter of course for all items with the exception of some foreign destinations where insurance is not available.  For International Shipping please contact me first. Thanks for your interest ! watchclockgo Store Place a Bid!