H a m i l t o n C a p t a i n R i c e
c. 1 9 3 1
Very rare Hamilton “Captain Rice” men’s Art Deco design wristwatch in solid 14K yellow gold, circa 1931.
Among the most desirable of the early Hamilton models, the “Captain Rice” was originally introduced as the "Floyd Bennett" in February of 1930 in honor of legendary United States Navy aviator Floyd Bennett, who piloted Lieutenant Commander Richard Byrd's flight to reach the North Pole in 1926. Byrd also had a Hamilton wristwatch named for him (the "Byrd" in 1930), and the two men were awarded with a rare peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor for their efforts. Bennett was also promoted to Warrant Mechanic by Act of Congress. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and a special medal from the National Geographic Society. The heroic Bennett died in 1928 after becoming ill during an attempt to rescue the crew of a downed German airplane in Canada. Handmade by the obscure Perrin Watch Case Co., the "Captain Rice" was priced to consumers at $150.00 in 1930, making it one of the most expensive watches Hamilton offered. A mere 432 were produced in yellow gold. This example is in excellent condition showing only very light wear. Caseback is excellent, with an attractive Art Deco monogram. Case measures 38mm long and 27mm wide. Dial is excellent, has black enamel painted numerals and matching blued steel hands, a scarce variation. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its correct19 jewel Hamilton grade 979-F adjusted movement.
(SOLD)
