Hoppy and Tracy keep time with Patek Philippe at Harris Auction Aug. 19
Hopalong Cassidy watches were shock resistant to withstand the rough and tumble play of little buckaroos. Image courtesy Tom Harris Auctions.
A Patek Philippe 20-jewel 18-karat gold open-face pocket watch is one of the most eagerly anticipated lots in the sale, which will disperse the collection of the late Robert G. Williams of Dallas City, Ill. The prized pocket watch crafted in Geneva, Switzerland, is in running condition. The serial number is 240491.
U.S. Time Co., which later became Timex Corp., produced the Hopalong Cassidy wristwatch for children in the 1940s and ’50s. The example in the Harris sale is like new and in the original box with papers. A printed folder pictures actor William Boyd as Hopalong and conveys his message encouraging children to always be prompt and to use time productively.
Another popular character watch in the auction is the Dick Tracy wristwatch by New Haven Clock & Watch Co., New Haven, Conn. The original box, which is in fair condition, pictures Chester Gould’s famous police detective and his adopted son, Junior Tracy.
One of the oldest pocket watches in the sale was manufactured by Stevens, Liverpool, England. A paper insert in the pair case is dated 1832. The key-wind open-face watch is 2 1/8-inches in diameter.
A fine American-made pocket watch in the sale is the Waltham P.S. Bartlett model 57 manufactured in 1866. This open-face watch is in a Dueber silverine case, which is 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
The sale will be conducted at the Tom Harris Auction Center, 203 S. 18th Ave. in Marshalltown. It will begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. Central.
For details call the Tom Harris Auctions at 641-754-4890.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Online bidding has been heavy on this Patek Philippe 20-jewel pocket watch in an 18-karat gold case. Image courtesy Tom Harris Auctions.
The Stevens Liverpool pocket watch is pictured outside its pair case. The paper insert in the case is dated 1843. Image courtesy Tom Harris Auctions.
The dial is marked ‘American Watch Co.’ but collectors recognize this pocket watch as a Waltham. The P.S. Bartlett model dates to 1866. Image courtesy Tom Harris Auctions.
