Post by Ben on Sept 13, 2007 10:38:53 GMT -6
Well, I've been sitting here enjoying a lazy Thursday morning. A rarity, to be sure, but my employer gives us off for Rosh Hashanah - incidentally, shanah tovah! to any of our Jewish friends out there.
Anyway, I've been going through some image folders and found some shots I took of a vintage Hamilton that belonged to my grandfather. After my grandmother died a couple of years ago I got this memento of him when I found it in a drawer during the inevitable "clean out" that happens after the departing of a loved one. I never really knew my grandfather as he died when I was only 2 years old. I do know that he was a pattern-maker in the ship building industry and was a woodworker of the high order. I remember seeing this when I was a little kid, but hadn't seen it in probably 30 years or so.
OK, so here's my vintage Hamilton.
I've been searching for model information on it. I think I'm close when I say that I believe it's a Hamilton "Turner" from the 1930's. I've seen a photo of the "Donald," the 14k gold version, and the text said that the 10k gold version was the "Turner." The photo of the "Donald" pretty much looks like my watch. If anyone knows for sure, I'd appreciate any info on it.
Based on photos I've seen of other vintage Hamilton's, the condition is actually pretty good. I've not tried to clean it up, but I think it would look pretty decent. The size is pretty small at 24 x 37mm, but it sits beautifully on the wrist. Sadly, it doesn't run and I don't think it would be worth having it repaired - even if it could be repaired. Shame...as I'd love to wear it.
But the really great part of it is the stand my grandfather made for it....
This really is very cool and probably wouldn't have been easy to make. The piece of wood that slides out to hold the watch was contoured to exactly match the rear of the watch. The patina on the walnut is just beautiful, and seeing that I was named after him the initials are also my own.
I'm hoping to inherit, from my father, someday the 12" tall grandfather's clock that my grandfather made - complete with lathe work - that uses a pocket watch as the timepiece. Now, that's an amazing piece of work! Wish I had a photo of it.
-Ben
Anyway, I've been going through some image folders and found some shots I took of a vintage Hamilton that belonged to my grandfather. After my grandmother died a couple of years ago I got this memento of him when I found it in a drawer during the inevitable "clean out" that happens after the departing of a loved one. I never really knew my grandfather as he died when I was only 2 years old. I do know that he was a pattern-maker in the ship building industry and was a woodworker of the high order. I remember seeing this when I was a little kid, but hadn't seen it in probably 30 years or so.
OK, so here's my vintage Hamilton.
I've been searching for model information on it. I think I'm close when I say that I believe it's a Hamilton "Turner" from the 1930's. I've seen a photo of the "Donald," the 14k gold version, and the text said that the 10k gold version was the "Turner." The photo of the "Donald" pretty much looks like my watch. If anyone knows for sure, I'd appreciate any info on it.
Based on photos I've seen of other vintage Hamilton's, the condition is actually pretty good. I've not tried to clean it up, but I think it would look pretty decent. The size is pretty small at 24 x 37mm, but it sits beautifully on the wrist. Sadly, it doesn't run and I don't think it would be worth having it repaired - even if it could be repaired. Shame...as I'd love to wear it.
But the really great part of it is the stand my grandfather made for it....
This really is very cool and probably wouldn't have been easy to make. The piece of wood that slides out to hold the watch was contoured to exactly match the rear of the watch. The patina on the walnut is just beautiful, and seeing that I was named after him the initials are also my own.
I'm hoping to inherit, from my father, someday the 12" tall grandfather's clock that my grandfather made - complete with lathe work - that uses a pocket watch as the timepiece. Now, that's an amazing piece of work! Wish I had a photo of it.
-Ben
