Joseph Ives mirror clock hits $9,200 at Converse sale 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 held Dec. 29 by Gordon S. Converse & Co
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 19th 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 20th 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 www.AuctionsatConverse.com or www.ConverseClocks.com. Updates are posted frequently.
