562. $375
Ransom Smith & Co. transitional shelf clock, 1832-1833. This is a short-drop, 30-hour wooden
works clock from a relatively rare maker – there are only three Ransom Smith clocks in the Antique Clocks Price Guide. This
is the only example of a transitional clock from this maker, a clock with pillar & scroll feet, stenciled half-columns, and a
simple mahogany splat. These clocks are thought to represent the transition from pillar & scroll clocks in the 1820’s to
the sturdier column & splat clocks of the 1830’s. It stands 27.75 inches tall with a beautiful mahogany veneer, with only
one repair I see, on the door cross-piece. The columns still show some of the original bronze stencil; the feet appear original,
as does the top and splat. The tablet is original, with some losses, but is still very nice. The glass is cracked on the
left side, but stable; the dial glass is new, glazed in place. The dial board is very old. The wooden movement is running
without issue, striking an iron bell, driven by two old 30-hour weights. There is a door key and a winder, two tin pulley covers,
and a very nice label inside. There is a clear coat on the veneer giving it a glossy finish, but it looks good. A very
nice example of a transition period wood movement clock. $400-$600.
563. $900
E. Howard Banjo No. 5, ca. 1874. The smallest of the Howard banjos at 29 inches high, in “well-seasoned
hardwood, stained in imitation of rosewood, and polished. For use in dwelling-houses, offices and rooms, they are well adapted.” This clock retains the rosewood staining quite nicely; all three glasses are old, possibly repainted, possibly rebacked. There
is some lifting of the black background paint in the throat section. The dial was probably repainted some time ago as it shows
age. The hands are correct. The movement is signed and running, driven by an appropriate weight. There is a weight
shield, a pendulum tie-down, and an instruction label on the bottom. The damascened pendulum bob is old, the pendulum stick
may be new. There are screws securing the base to the case where the weight may have knocked it off. All in all a better
than average example particularly with regard to the grain painted finish, which is often worn off. A couple of sales on eBay
in 2016, both over $1500. $1000-$1200.
561. $1375
Boston Clock Co. “No. 1 Pendulum”, 1888-1897. The Boston Clock Co. was renamed the Chelsea
Clock Co. in 1897. The 34-inch case is cherry, probably refinished in the past and looks great. Both glasses are old,
the tablet has been out of the case, probably to be rebacked. The blue inset is quite nice and found on other examples of this
model. The 12-inch signed metal dial looks to be original paint or a very old repaint, and is clean with just a couple of paint
chips; the hands are original. The signed, time-only, weight-driven movement runs eight days and is running just fine and keeping
time. The pendulum bob is damascened but faint. These clocks did not come with a label. I can’t find anything to
complain about on this clock. Schmitt’s sold one for $1500 in 2010, and one very similar to this one for $1900 in 2013.
564. $75
Friedrich Mauthe Vienna. The spring-driven movement for this small Vienna is probably early
twentieth century. It has a D.R.P. (Deutsche Reich Patent) number, the FMS (Friedrich Mauthe Schwenningen) logo, and a German
eagle logo. I am less sure about the age of the case, which appears to be late twentieth century; the Mauthe Company was in
business until 1976. The case length, from finial tip to tip, is about 31 inches. The veneer is in nice shape; there are
two side glasses. The 8-day movement is running and striking a wire gong on the hour and half-hour. A nice little Vienna
at a nice price. $100-$125.
560. $125
Waterbury “Commodore” clock and barometer, ca. 1929. Two ship’s wheels holding an 8-day jeweled
movement (as indicated on the dial) and a barometer. There is a mercury thermometer in the middle. The brass stand is
9.25 inches wide, 2.75 inches deep, and 6.5 inches high, designed to sit on your desk on small ball feet. The brass finish could
stand to be polished, and there are some spots of corrosion, especially on the sides of the supports. Fortunately, they are
not very noticeable. The silvered dial on the clock shows some tarnish and wear; both dials sit behind beveled glasses. We had the clock running when it was out of the stand, but can’t get it running now. You wind it by turning the pilot wheel,
but I’m not sure which way works. There is a lever you lift up to adjust the time by the same mechanism. Not sure the
barometer is working fully either. Well, the thermometer is correct. $125-$175.
565. $150
Telechron “Electroalarm”, 1929-31. This is one of the most popular Telechrons, put into production
after General Electric bought Telechron. The brown plastic bakelite case is in excellent condition, no chips, breaks, or scratches. The gold metal decorative strips in front are present and original, as is the dial and hands. The clock is running – BUT – you
can’t set the time. The knob for moving the hands is frozen, so the only way to get it to show the correct time is to start
it at the time showing. I think there is also a problem with the power-loss indicator (the red dot) as the handle is loose. We did not test the alarm. The light bulb at the top of the dial lights when turned on. The power cord is an old replacement;
the glass over the dial should have a mirror finish around the rim. Since the clock runs, if you are good with these things
it seems you ought to be able to free the hand-set shaft and make this clock fully functional. It stands 7.5 inches high. The average sale price for these clocks on eBay over the last few years is $297.
