(Pittsfield, Mass.) – Over 500 antique collectible clocks – many of them exceedingly rare and museum-quality – will be sold on Saturday, June 14, starting at 10 a.m., by Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. A catalog is available by phone request, at (413) 448-8922, or through e-mail request, at [email protected]. Images may be viewed on the firm’s website at www.fontainesauction.net.
The sale will feature early E. Howard examples, to include #1, #3, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9, #10 and #11; as well as a spectacular #61 Astronomical Floor Regulator with mercury pendulum; and a #70 clock with 16-inch dial. The #1 clock is a weight-driven banjo clock and technically a Howard & Davis creation (predating E. Howard’s dissolution, in 1857). Such examples are becoming increasingly rare.
A few more offerings that are certain to pique the interest of the bidding crowd include:
An Elmer O. Stennes girandole weight-driven banjo clock, rocking ship tall clock and Lyro banjo clock. Mr. Stennes began as a cabinet maker who took the movements from E. Howard and Chelsea regulators to fashion his own clock creations. His clocks are known for the famous “bee” on the label and are also prized for their maker’s notoriety, as Stennes famously murdered his first wife.
An English rolling ball clock by Dent of London. This is a modern version of a Victorian Congreve clock, named for Sir William Congreve, who invented a new type of rolling ball clock in the early 19th century. The ball has a zigzag motion, vs. the traditional fixed-incline movement. John E. Dent founded the company (now called E. Dent & Co., Ltd.). He made clocks up until his death in 1853.
A French industrial steam engine clock that just may steal the show for its unique looks and style.
The auction will also feature 20+ standing clocks (including a Norton rocking ship); about 40 weight-driven wall clocks (including a Welch #1, Seth Thomas #1 extra, and Seth Thomas models #2, #3 and #6); a selection of double dials (including a Seth Thomas Bank #8, office calendars #1, 2 and 4, and a parlor calendar #10); fashion models; a rocking ship tall clock; and a Lyre banjo clock.
Also slated to cross the block are a bride’s model presentation clock; Foster Campos banjo clocks; French industrials; Annular; Empire silk thread; swinging arm; animated; Lyre; Chelsea ships’ clocks; ripple fronts; Pattis; additional banjo clocks; plllar and scroll examples; a Willard banjo; a Waltham weight-driven banjo and other presentation weight-driven banjos; and more Campos clocks.
The sale will also include a Riley Whiting tall clock; French carriage clocks; Ithaca and Waterbury calendar clocks; marine clocks; a gallery clock with 24-inch dial; LeCoultre Atmos clocks; an acorn mantel clock; crystal regulators; a LeRoy carriage clock; English skeleton clocks; 2- and 3-weight Vienna regulators; and a Waltham tubular chime clock.
Fontaine’s Auction Gallery has another clock auction planned for this coming autumn, as part of its Fall Auction Series. Quality consignments are currently being accepted for this important sale. The firm provides free estimates and can arrange for pick-up and delivery worldwide. Fontaine’s Auction Gallery will buy a single antique clock or an entire collection.
With over 35 years of experience in the auction business, Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is a national leader in the antiques business. Fontaine’s is always accepting quality consignments for future sales.
To consign or sell an item, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (413) 448-8922; or you can e-mail them at [email protected].
To learn more about Fontaine’s Auction Gallery and their calendar of upcoming auctions, please log on to www.fontainesauction.net