05-01-201005-01-2010
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
May 1, 2010 10:00 AMCalender
90

American Wheel Cutting Engine

Sell one like this
$16,590$14,000
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 2502Location: MarlboroughDate / Time: May 01, 2010 10:00AM

Description:

American Wheel Cutting Engine, probably Connecticut, c 1780, the neatly dovetailed chestnut and cherry frame with 15 1/2-in. dia. two-part brass index plate with numerous divisions including 30, 48, 56, 60, 62, 64, 72, 78, 80, 84, 96, 98 and 118 and inner rings with 6, 7, 8 and 10, adjustable cutter frame with wooden handled crank and cutter arbor, ht. 14, lg. 23 in.

Note: This tool is discussed and illustrated in Crom #2, pp.664. Connecticut clock makers Daniel Burnap and John Avery used nearly identical machines, see: Penrose Hoopes, Shop Records of Daniel Burnap Clockmaker, pp 148-149 and Philip Zea and Robert C. Cheney, Clock Making in New England 1725-1825, plate 12, pp 85 for the John Avery machine in the J. Cheney Wells collection at Old Sturbridge Village.
Estimate $2,500-4,500

A flat spring has been added to "cushion" the cutter frame against the work.

Keywords

Connecticut, Daniel Burnap, John Avery, Clockmaker, Robert C. Cheney, Philip Zea, New England