(WAYNE, Pa.) – A large and important wall-mounted mirror clock made by the New England clockmaker Joseph Ives (Bristol, Conn., 1782-1862) sold for $9,200 at a two-part auction that featured nearly 250 lots of vintage clocks and horology-related items. The auction was held Dec. 29 at the Italian-American Club in Wayne, Pa., by Gordon S. Converse & Co., based in nearby Strafford, Pa.The reverse painted and mirror wood-cased clock, often referred to as a “looking glass” clock, was the top lot of the sale. Joseph Ives invented and patented the mirror clock, probably around the 1830s. He also invented the roller pinions used in clocks (and they were featured in this fine example). This was the first auction dedicated exclusively to clocks and horology by Gordon S. Converse & Co.

“Although there has been a significant drop in demand for antiques and antique clocks over the last few years, this sale may have marked a point where the demand is slowly returning,” said Gordon S. Converse. “About half the total lots were wood shelf clocks dating to the early 19^th century, and they all sold. Most came after spirited bidding, and in many cases the final price was higher than expected.”

About 100 people packed the Italian-American Club in Wayne (a suburb of Philadelphia, located a half-hour west of the city). In addition, over 200 people registered online, with Internet bidding facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com. “More than one-third of the sales were to online bidders,” Mr. Converse remarked. “I was encouraged by that trend.” Phone and absentee bids were also taken.

Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.

Three clocks topped the $6,000 mark. A fine Federal tall case clock with a solid mahogany case (probably N.Y./N.J., circa 1790-1810) chimed on time for $6,900; a looking glass shelf clock signed “Sawin” (John Sawin, Boston, 1810-1863), rare because of its strike mechanism, realized $6,038; and a French industrial “lighthouse” clock, 22 inches tall and with an oscillating light at the top, hit $6,325.

A Federal banjo timepiece made in New England by William Cummens (an apprentice of the renowned clockmaker Simon Willard) hammered for $5,175; and a magnificent and large late 19^th century or early 20^th century chiming library clock garnered $2,588. “That chime clock got more views than any other item on our website,” Mr. Converse commented. “I’m surprised it didn’t sell for more.”

Three clocks brought identical sale prices of $4,025: a tall case clock in a fine Federal mahogany case, with eight-day clockworks signed “Nathaniel Monroe, Concord” on the painted dial; a very rare mid-19^th century torsion pendulum clock by Aaron D. Crane (American, 1804-1860); and a fine gilt bronze encased 6 ½-inch French porcelain paneled carriage clock with four Sevres oval inserts. The last two clocks went to foreign buyers.

A late 19^th century French-made industrial “lighthouse” clock, plated with bronze, silver and gold and with an oscillating light at the top breezed to $3,450; a gilt wood and eglomise painted glass banjo timepiece signed Curtis and Dunning (Burlington, Vt.) went to a determined bidder for $3,162; and an Austrian wall timepiece with ripple molding and signed on the dial “H. Bertl, Wein” hit $3,105.

A wonderful double-dialed calendar shelf clock, labeled Ithaca Calendar Clock Company (the 3 ½ Parlor model) climbed to $1,955 (“I wasn’t sure it wasn’t a reproduction it was in such good shape,” remarked Mr. Converse); a 19^th century 37-inch mahogany marine barometer by L. Walker of England commanded $1,495; and a shelf clock by John Birge (Bristol, Conn., 1785-1862) gaveled for $1,495.

A mahogany veneer double steeple shelf clock, labeled “Elisha Manross” and with a rare double fusee mechanism, coasted to $1,265; a rare balance wheel-operated, spring-driven, painted cast iron and nacre inlay 10 ½ inch cottage timepiece signed by Noah Pomeroy (Bristol, Conn., 1813-1896), earned $460; and a wood-front rectangular shelf clock by J. C. Brown (Bristol, Conn.) made $402.50.

Two lots that didn’t fetch high dollar figures but were interesting nonetheless were a 20^th century pillar and scroll clock labeled Elmer Stennes, always a draw because he famously was imprisoned for killing his wife and who was himself murdered ($258.75); and a pair of American ogee clocks (which are almost never offered at auction in pairs), each one with hand-colored reverse painted glass ($230).

Gordon S. Converse & Co.’s next big auction will be a general art and antiques sale, slated for either February or March. The next vintage clocks and horology auction is tentatively scheduled for June. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (610) 722-9004; or, you may e-mail to Gordon@ConverseClocks.com.

Anyone interested in having an item appraised may send a photo of the object, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon Converse, 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. To order a catalog for the upcoming Dec. 29 vintage clocks and horology auction, send a check or money order for $12.50 to Gordon S. Converse & Co., 758 Mancill Road, Strafford, PA 19087.

To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auction events, you may log on to either http://www.auctionsatconverse.com/ or http://www.converseclocks.com/. Updates are posted frequently.

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(WAYNE, Pa.) – A two-part auction featuring around 250 lots of vintage clocks and horology-related items will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Italian-American Club in Wayne, beginning at 3:15 p.m. The sale will be conducted by Gordon S. Converse & Co., based in nearby Strafford. It will be the firm’s first auction dedicated to clocks and horology. A preview will be held Dec. 28, from 10-6.

“This sale will feature all kinds of antique clocks,” said Gordon S. Converse. “Most are at least 125 years old and are mechanical, but examples of early electro-mechanical clocks will also be offered, along with electric clocks of the 20^th century.” The centerpiece of the sale promises to be the collection of the late James Grundy, who amassed one of the finest American shelf clock collections anywhere.

At least 75 examples of American shelf clocks – most of them from Mr. Grundy’s collection – will cross the block that day. Also offered will be several tall case clocks (two from the American Federal era); some wall clocks (including two Biedermeier-era Austrian wall clocks); mantel clocks from America, England an the Continent; books on horology; and clock makers’ tools and supplies.

“We’re already getting a positive response to the items in this auction, especially the shelf clocks,” Mr. Converse said. “We’ve had lots of views on LiveAuctioneers.com (which is facilitating online bidding). This is a unique chance for collectors to bid on a wide selection of fresh-to-the-market clocks that won’t be offered again for a long while. Dedicated collectors need to mark their calendars.”

Just a few of the shelf clocks expected to generate much bidder interest include the following:

• A carved case shelf clock by Eli Terry, Jr., featuring carved quarter columns flanking the full-length door, which has a reverse painted glass below the glazed square wood dial and carved paw feet. The crest mounted on top is a finely carved Federal eagle.
• A Jerome & Darrow shelf clock made circa 1824-1826, having a look of reeded pilasters with neatly carved capitals, a scrolled top with hollow brass finials (an affectation from the earlier Eli Terry “Pillar and Scroll” designed clock), and a later reverse painting of Independence Hall.
• An important striking looking-glass shelf clock, signed “Sawin” (John Sawin, Boston, 1810-1863), with a stencil reverse painted decorated glass masking the dished dial above a looking-glass mounted within the base panel. Striking shelf clocks are rare, making them desirable to collectors.
• An early 19^th century American shelf clock with an original label that identifies C. & C.L. Ives as the manufacturer for David & Barber of Bristol, Conn. The clock has robust carving on the crests and half columns, two reverse paintings of two prominent buildings, and a painted wood dial.
• A faux finish, mahogany, gilt wood, carved and reverse painted triple-deck shelf clock made by the Forestville Mfg. Co., of Bristol, Conn. The reverse painted glasses of architectural landscapes and the carved and gilt crest atop the case are unusual in their form. The clock also boasts ball feet.

New England’s clock makers in the early 1800s had little to work with in terms of technology to create clocks that would be affordable to the masses. But between 1820 and 1860, there was a proliferation of shelf clocks – so-named because they ended up being quite high and so couldn’t fit easily onto mantel pieces. Instead, they were displayed on shelves. And best of all they were affordable.

The skills of the craftspeople in New England’s cottage industries (such as reverse painting on glass, stenciling, wood carving and gold leaf skills) were all utilized in the making of these popular shelf clocks. Inside each one were clockworks that also showed off the inventive skills of the Yankee clock makers. Many had calendars, wooden gears, alarm devices and brass (not coiled steel) springs.

“This auction will feature shelf clocks in a variety of styles and sizes, by various makers,” Mr. Converse said. “Bidders will be treated to variations on seminal designs, real-life examples of original patents and crafts skills of the 19^th century – enough to fill a museum. We’ll have clocks by the Terrys of Connecticut and many made in Bristol, Conn., the Yankee clock making capital from 1800-1850.”

While shelf clocks are expected to take center stage at the auction, dozens of other pieces in a wide array of sizes and styles will also come under the gavel. These will include a 39-inch C. & N. Jerome 8-day repeating brass clock with scored dial; a rare miniature timepiece made by Silas Hoadley; and a circa 1900 Black Forest painted cast iron and tin “Clock Peddler” clock standing 11 inches tall.

Also offered will be a circa 1870s French industrial lighthouse clock, 22 inches tall, with a model Fresno light atop the structure oscillating on the half-seconds; a fine Federal tall case clock (circa 1790-1810), with a dense and dark solid mahogany case and a dial possibly from the shop of Nolan & Curtis; and a 4-candlestick mahogany cased “wagon spring” steeple clock by Birge & Fuller.

The sale will be split into two parts to allow for a brief intermission. The first part will begin at 3:15 p.m. and conclude around 5:30. The second session will start at 6 p.m. Each session will feature 125 lots. To view most of the catalog or to register online, log on to LiveAuctioneers.com. The Italian-American Club is located at 301 West Wayne Ave., in Wayne, Pa., a half hour west of Philadelphia.

Gordon S. Converse & Co.’s next big auction after this will be a general art and antique sale, slated for either February or March 2010. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (610) 722-9004; or, you may inquire by e-mail at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. To learn more about the company and the upcoming Dec. 29 auction, log on to http://www.auctionsatconverse.com/ or http://www.converseclocks.com/.

Anyone interested in having an item appraised may do so by sending a photo of the object, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon Converse, 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. To order a catalog for the upcoming Dec. 29 clock vintage clocks and horology auction, send a check or money order for $12.50 to Gordon S. Converse & Co., 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087.

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Happenings                                                           Second Hand Saturday

                                                                              Grandparents Day Memory Clock

                                                                                September 13, 2008, 10 a.m.

Create a clock with shared memories

$20 for each clock created

Cost includes Museum admission

Registration required – (717) 684-8261, ext. 237

Tea Time with the First Ladies

September 20, 2008, 1 p.m.

Tea and historical fashion show

$25 adults, $16 children 12 and under

Cost includes Museum admission

Registration required – (717) 684-8261, ext. 237

FREE MOVIE

                                                                                Robots

                                                                                Rated PG, 91minutes

Seating limited, free popcorn and lemonade!

Special Exhibits                                                   Time in Office: Presidential Timepieces

Watches, clocks and memorabilia from the   presidents’ years in the White House

On display through December 31

Included with Museum admission

                                                                Stanley Clockworks

                                                                                A collection of giant whimsical clocks

****On display now through December 31

Included with Museum admission

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501©(3) association with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries. April through November the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Summer hours also include Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more information, directions, or general museum information call (717) 684-8261 or visit our website at www.nawcc.org.

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WORKSHOPS IN “TIME” FOR FALL

COLUMBIA, PA:  Are you new to collecting and eager to care for your own timepieces?  Are you looking to learn more about horology? The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors’ School of Horology has a workshop program that may be just what you’re looking for.

The School of Horology, located directly across the street from the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, has workshops designed for beginner and advanced students, to learn about and care for timepieces; through hands-on learning the program builds confidence and skills in watch and clock repair and maintenance.

Registration for the September workshops is quickly approaching!

FALL CONTINUING EDUCATION:

WS-111 Servicing a Pocket Watch for the Beginner: September 27 – 28 (Class full: get on waiting list!)

WS-111 Servicing a Pocket Watch for the Beginner: October 4 – 5

WS-112 Servicing a Clock for the Beginner: October 11 – 12

WS- 115 Basic Clock Repair 1- Bushing a Clock: October 18 – 19

WS-114 How to Use the Watchmakers/Jewelers Lathe for Beginners: November 15 – 16

Generally, all materials, supplies, and machinery are provided.  Workshops are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including two 15-minute breaks and 1½ hours for lunch. For registration information and a full workshop schedule with descriptions of these and all the other workshops, visit www.horology.edu and follow the continuing education links. You may also call Director of Education Katie Knaub at 717-684-8261, ext. 237 for more information.

The School of Horology is licensed by the State of Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Private Licensed Schools and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).  The School of Horology is dedicated to the preparation of students for entry into horological business fields. The School’s mission is to preserve established skills and knowledge of the art of clock and watch making, repair, and restoration, while encouraging interest in horological research.  Class size is strictly limited to ensure students the personalized instruction necessary to master the specialized skills.

The NAWCC School of Horology is a division of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Hundreds of students have come through the School’s programs since it opened in 1995.  The NAWCC also operates the National Watch & Clock Museum and Library and Research Center in Columbia, PA.  Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website at www.nawcc.org.

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SCHOOL OF HOROLOGY OFFERS WORKSHOPS

COLUMBIA, PA:  Are you new to collecting and eager to care for your own timepieces?  Are you looking to learn more about horology? The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors’ School of Horology has a workshop program that may be just what you’re looking for.

The School, located directly across the street from the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, has workshops designed for beginner and advanced students, to learn about and care for timepieces; through hands-on learning the program builds confidence and skills in watch and clock repair and maintenance.

Upcoming workshops include:

• WS-206 Hairspring Restoration (Saturday and Sunday, February 16 -17) – The heart of a mechanical watch is the escapement and the hairspring is central to its accuracy.  Quite often a watch will fail to keep good time because of problems with the hairspring.  This two-day workshop will show participants how to correct and realign a hairspring.
• WS-117 Using a Micro Lathe for the Beginner (Saturday and Sunday, February 23 – 24) – This two-day workshop is an introduction to the basic skills and techniques involved in the use of the micro lathe.
• WS-119 Wheel and Pinion Cutting on the Micro Mill (Saturday and Sunday, March 8 – 9) – This two-day workshop is a continuation of workshop WS-117.  Students will learn the technique of cutting gears and pinions using a micro mill.

Generally, all materials, supplies, and machinery are provided.  Workshops are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including two 15-minute breaks and 1 ½ hours for lunch. For registration information and a full workshop schedule with descriptions of these and all the other workshops, visit http://www.nawcc.org/school/workshops/wssched.htm. Those interested may also call Avocational Administrative Coordinator, Ted Brachfeld at 717-684-8261 for more information.

The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC, Inc.) is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3) organization with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries.  NAWCC operates the School of Horology, an ACCST accredited institution offering instruction and skills verification in watch and clock repair and restoration; the National Watch and Clock Museum, which houses a collection of over 12,000 timekeeping artifacts; and a Library and Research Center with over 5,000 cataloged references.  To learn more about the NAWCC and affiliated organizations, visit www.nawcc.org.

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TIMELY SUMMER WORKSHOPS

COLUMBIA, PA: What do your summer vacation plans include? Perhaps the beach, mountains or sky-diving? How about traveling to the center of time where you can learn something new or brush up on skills you haven’t used for a while? The School is located in Lancaster County with lots of cultural, historical and shopping opportunities to complete your vacation to the area.

The NAWCC’s School of Horology, located directly across the street from the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, has workshops designed for beginner and advanced students, to learn about and care for timepieces; through hands-on learning the program builds confidence and skills in watch and clock repair and maintenance.

Registration for these workshops is quickly approaching. The summer schedule includes:

• WS-116 Introduction to Servicing the Platform Escapement (Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8)
• WS-122 Reverse Painting on Glass with Lee Davis (Monday-Friday, June 23-27)
• WS-220 Repivoting Watches and Clocks (Saturday, June 28)
• WS-221 Using the Micro Mill to Re-bush a Clock (Sunday, June 29)
• WS-112 Servicing a Clock for the Beginner (Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20)
• WS-211 Servicing a Marine Chronometer (Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20)
• WS-124 Dial Restoration and Painting (Monday-Friday, July 21-25)
• WS-102 Wooden Clock Movement Repair (Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10)
• WS-111 Servicing a Pocket Watch for the Beginner (Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17)
• WS-230 Basics of the Quartz Watch (Saturday and Sunday, August 23-24)

Generally, all materials, supplies, and machinery are provided. Workshops are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including two 15-minute breaks and 1½ hours for lunch. For registration information and a full workshop schedule with descriptions of these and all the other workshops, visit http://www.nawcc.org/school/workshops/wssched.htm. Those interested may also call Director of Education, Katie Knaub at 717-684-826, ext. 237 for more information.

The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC, Inc.) is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3) organization with approximately 23,000 members, representing 55 countries. NAWCC operates the School of Horology, an ACCST- accredited institution offering instruction and skills verification in watch and clock repair and restoration; the National Watch and Clock Museum, which houses a collection of over 12,000 timekeeping artifacts; and a Library and Research Center with over 5,000 cataloged references. To learn more about the NAWCC and affiliated organizations, visit www.nawcc.org.

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