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Auction Gallery Winding Up for Clock SaleBy Tammy Daniels - June 14, 2008
iBerkshires Staff
 | | Photos courtesy Fontaine's Antique Auction Gallery. |
PITTSFIELD — Persevering bidders will be buying not only history but time today as 500 antique clocks go up for auction in Pittsfield.
Thought to be the first-ever all-antique clock auction in the area, Fontaine's Antique Auction Gallery will be filled to the brim as timepiece enthusiasts fill the hall (and hang on the phone, and scour the Internet) for a chance to take home some of the unique clocks being offered.
"There are 40 banjo clocks lined up on the wall, like 40 dueling banjos. This collection is just overwhelming," said Steven Mitchell, the clock expert who spent six months researching and examining the timepieces and cataloging 300 of them. "It's really magnificent."
The clocks range from intricate astronomical regulators to tall grandfathers to brass mantelpieces to industrial to whimsical.
E. Howard No. 6 |
The "crown jewel" of the collection is an E. Howard Astronomical Floor Regulator, No. 61, and estimated at $50,000 to $75,000. The clock is being put up for auction by a private collector.
"It's an exceeding rare clock," said Mitchell. "They're about as scarce as hen's teeth."
E. Howard & Co. has roots dating to the early 19th century and is known for its dependable, high-quality timepieces, all custom made. The No. 61 model wouldn't have been ordered by just anyone, said Mitchell.
"Only the extremely wealthy would have had one," he said, adding that it may well exceed its estimate.
The clock stands nearly 8 feet high and has a solid brass movement and mercury pendulum. Its time keeping is accurate to within a second or two.
Mitchell's been in the clock business for 25 years and operates Mitchell and Bosworth Inc. in Concord, N.H., specializing in antique pocket watch, wristwatch and clock restoration. He's also been an auctioneer, so he's seen a lot of clocks.
This collection, he said, is "fantastic." Most are estimated in the thousands of dollars.
His favorites? An E. Howard, No. 7 Figure 8. "I was happy to see that clock in the collection," he said, and a bride's banjo clock, all done in white. "I'd never seen one before."
He's not the only one excited about clocks. Some 150 people have already reserved seats for the auction; latecomers will have to stand. Of course, there's multiple phones lines going into the auction and for those who can't make to Pittsfield, eBay offers a chance to bid, too.
"Clocks are in great demand. Everybody has an interest in clocks; every family has a story," said Mitchell. "America is infatuated with clocks." 
He puts it down to family history, children recalling how parents or grandparents would wind the prominent clock in the hall or on the mantle. It's a solid piece of history that's also functional.
Not everybody can afford a $75,000 clock; but enthusiasts with more modest budgets may be able to find the perfect piece at the gallery's "discovery" auction. Two hundred clocks, deemed not worthy of cataloging, will be up for bid beginning at 11 at the auction hall only.
They may have some dings, or missing pieces, or a "condition problem" but they'll still look good on the mantle.
"It may only be a $100 ... but it may be perfect for someone," he said. "One that reminds them of the clock their grandmother had."
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| I have been going to auctions for over thirty years and have been in fields, open air markets, but I have to admit Fontaine's Auction Gallery knows the antique auction business. I did not get the clock that I wanted, but it was by any standard magnificent. A very professional display of each clock, clean and comfortable large auction hall, and great food. I will be making the three hour drive for every auction offered at fontaine. Thank you John, I had a wonderful time. | | from: A Miller | on: 07-22-2008 |
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