PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fans of marking time, rejoice. A huge selection of vintage clocks and other valuable timepieces is featured at Fontaine Auction Gallery’s Timepieces, Advertising and Collectibles sale on Saturday, October 21. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.
Some of the best known names — and many obscure ones — can be found throughout the 524-lot sale. Mantle clocks, table clocks, floor clocks, even watches are all included.
Aaron Willard (1757-1844) is widely recognized as a pioneer of the American clockmaking industry. His family arrived in America from England in 1634, and his ancestors were instrumental in New England history, including being founders of Concord, Massachusetts. Willard’s output was so prolific that it is believed he helped make clocks more commonplace in American homes than any other builder of the period.
This sale contains two clocks directly linked or attributed to Aaron Willard. The direct example, estimated at $4,000-$6,000, is a kidney dial shelf clock, marked Boston, Massachusetts and dated circa 1790-1800.
An early American innovator in timekeeping, the E. Howard & Company of Boston began in 1858 with watches, clocks and regulators. The company survives in various forms to this day. The sale includes 23 examples of its craft, including this circa-1880 No. 61 Regulator floor clock from a private collection in Rowley, Massachusetts. It is estimated at $15,000-$25,000 despite having been shortened by 3in and being in non-operational condition.
Another major brand from the heyday of American clockmaking is Seth Thomas. With 12 items available in the sale, perhaps the one of most interest is the ‘Peanut’ Office Calendar No. 3 wall clock. The item features a standard clock mechanism plus a ‘day and date’ dial driven by a Mix Brothers patent calendar mechanism. It is estimated at $1,500-$2,500.
Since 1842, Case has been manufacturing construction and agricultural equipment for the American (and currently, the global) market. In 1865, Case introduced Old Abe, an American bald eagle, as the company mascot. His slightly upturned head is a distinctive mark of the brand, as reflected in this fine and large (81in in height) tin-litho advertising sign. In visually good condition, the sign is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.
Aaron Willard kidney dial shelf clock, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Fontaine's Auction Gallery.
E. Howard & Co. No. 61 regulator floor clock, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Fontaine's Auction Gallery.
Seth Thomas 'Peanut' Office Calendar No. 3 wall clock, estimated at $1,500-$2,500 at Fontaine's Auction Gallery.
Case 'Old Abe' eagle die-cut porcelain advertising sign, estimated at $6,000-$8,000 at Fontaine's Auction Gallery.