MARLBOROUGH, MA – October 11, 2014 – Skinner, Inc. will hold an auction of Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments on November 1, 2014 in Marlborough, MA, featuring European, American, and Japanese clocks. From enameled French mantel clocks to an impressive selection of tall clocks as well as antique and modern watches, the auction offers something for everyone with an interest in horology. In addition, the auction features antique vehicles and a selection of Historic Arms & Militaria.
A Clocks, Instruments & Militaria – Online auction will also be open for bidding from October 28th through November 4th, 2014.
Antique Vehicles
Two red sports cars kick off the auction. Classic Italian design and strong sweeping lines make the Ferrari 1980 308 GTS a highly recognizable car (Lot 1, estimate $28,000 to $32,000). For American car aficionados, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird hardtop convertible is highly desirable (Lot 2, estimate $30,000 to $35,000). Jane Prentiss, Director of Antique Motor Vehicles, says, “Both vehicles are eye-catching and fun to drive, and the auction is just in time for the holidays.”
Tall Clocks
A masterpiece of Victorian clock-making leads an outstanding selection of tall clocks, also known as “Grandfather” clocks. The elaborately carved mahogany case is attributed to R.H. Horner & Co. of New York, and the dial is signed by Tiffany & Co. (Lot 447, Estimate $90,000 to $120,000). For over eighty years, the clock stood in the W.P. Brown mansion in New Orleans. It was there when Florieda Batson, captain of the first Woman’s World Games in Paris, 1922, moved into the home with her family in 1930. The Women’s World Games were a prelude to allowing women to compete in the formerly all-male Olympic games. Batson’s many silver trophies adorned the mansion along with the clock.
A quarter-striking long case clock by John Bushman of London (Lot 417, Estimate $10,000 to $15,000) and a month-duration clock by Joseph Norris of Amsterdam (Lot 418, Estimate $5,000 to $7,000) are both excellent examples of early 18th century clockmaking.
Antique & Modern Watches
The auction features watches from the late 17th century through the modern day. A silver pair-cased verge watch (Lot 350, estimate $2,500 to $3,500) was made in London circa 1700, and an Omega Speedmaster stainless steel chronograph wristwatch is the same model that was approved by NASA for space travel and worn on the moon (Lot 379, estimate $1,000 to $1,500).
American, European & Japanese Clocks
Mantel clocks, skeleton clocks, table clocks, and regulators will also be offered. A gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock attributed to Brocot of Paris, c. 1860 (Lot 433, estimate $3,000 to $5,000) is a beautiful clock that survives with its glass dome intact.
Skinner regularly achieves record prices for E. Howard & Co. clocks and astronomical regulators, and this auction includes several offerings from the famous Boston-area manufacturer.
A group of rare Japanese clocks (Lots 400 to 404, estimates vary) come to auction from a private collection.
Scientific Instruments
Don Yeier, an optical specialist, collected telescopes for forty years. Skinner will present a group of floor and library telescopes from the mid-18th century through the present day from his extensive collection. A reflecting library telescope by James Short of London (Lot 288, estimate $5,000 to $7,000) represents early optics, and a refractor telescope from the late 19th or early 20th century (Lot 299, estimate $15,000-$25,000) is an exceptional example by Alvan Clark & Sons of Massachusetts.
The auction also includes a collection of 18th to 20th century eyeglasses along with early chest and door locks, padlocks, and keys.
Online Auction
Over 350 lots of clocks, scientific instruments, and militaria will be offered online, beginning on October 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Lots will begin to close on November 4, 2014 at 4:00 PM. Bidders can participate at any time during the eight-day auction from the comfort and convenience of home, and have the added value of previewing the online-only lots in person during the regular Marlborough preview hours.
Previews, Catalog, Event, and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Thursday, October 30, from noon to 5 PM, Friday, October 31, from noon to 7 PM., and Saturday, November 1, from 8 AM to 9:30 AM. All are welcome to attend a reception and gallery walk with Robert C. Cheney, Director of Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments, on Friday, October 31 starting at 5 PM.
An illustrated catalog for Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments and a separate catalog for Historic Arms & Militaria are available from the Subscription Department, at 508-970-3240, or from the Gallery. Prices realized will be available online at www.skinnerinc.com, both during and after the sale. The Skinner website enables users to view every lot in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs and bid live, in real-time, through SkinnerLive!
About Skinner
Skinner auctions draw international interest from buyers and consignors alike, with material regularly achieving record prices. The company’s auction and appraisal services focus on fine art, jewelry, furniture, and decorative arts from around the globe, as well as wine, fine musical instruments, rare books, Asian art, clocks, Judaica, and more. Monthly Skinner Discovery auctions feature a breadth of estate material. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the business, Skinner appraisers have appeared on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, since the show’s inception. Skinner has galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as in Coral Gables, Florida, with bidders participating in person, by phone, and online. Join auctions live with SkinnerLive! and Bidsquare. For more information and to read our blog, visit the website at www.skinnerinc.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
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Contacts
Robert Cheney
Director, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3244
clocks@skinnerinc.com
Jonathan Dowling
Specialist, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3131
clocks@skinnerinc.com