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 Masonic presentation wristwatch in solid 14K white 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 each awarded a rare peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor for their efforts. The “Captain Rice” was handmade by the obscure Perrin Watch Case Co., and was priced to consumers at $150.00 in 1930, making it one of the most expensive watches Hamilton offered. A mere 603 were produced in white gold and this is only the second example I have offered. It is in crisp, excellent condition showing only very light wear. Caseback is excellent, with a Masonic presentation from 1931. Case measures 38mm long and 27mm wide. Enamel-inlaid dial is excellent. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its correct 19 jewel Hamilton grade 979-F adjusted movement.
(SOLD)
