Safety deposit box treasures will be auctioned Dec. 4 in Conn. The contents of numerous safety deposit boxes, filled with treasures accumulated over the course of a lifetime by a single-family estate, will be sold on Sat., Dec. 4, by Tim’s, Inc., in Bristol, Conn
presented by the Winchester Firearms Company, 14kt gold, for service to the company from 1891-1916), coin proof sets and commemorative coins, some still in the original boxes.
The vintage clocks will feature examples by Seth Thomas, one of the iconic names in clockmaking since the company’s inception in the early 1800s. Examples include a weight-driven, double-dial, peanut-shaped wall clock in a walnut case (the early, desirable Plymouth Hollow version) and a nice #2 oak, weight-driven wall regulator with a trapezoid movement.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was a longtime Connecticut-based maker of long case, mantel, shelf, wall and table-top clocks. The firm was based in Plymouth Hollow, which changed its name to Thomaston in 1875 in Seth Thomas’ memory. The clock at Grand Central Station in New York City and the clock in the Western movie High Noon were both made by Seth Thomas.
Additional clocks to be sold Dec. 4 include a rare and collectible French statue swinging arm clock; a three-piece rose and black marble and bronze clock set with French movement; and French wall clocks with ornate cases and faces and enamel dials. “There will also be many, many surprises at this auction,” Mr. Chapulis said, “over 500 lots in all. People, mark your calendars.”
Admittance to the auction and preview will be in the form of a suggested $5 donation for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Peter W. Chapulis, Tim’s late father. To date, Tim’s, Inc. has proudly raised over $32,200 for the charity, which treats cancer patients regardless of their ability to pay. St. Jude Children’s Hospital was founded by the entertainer Danny Thomas.
Tim’s, Inc. is celebrating over 30 years in business (1979-2010). The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call Tim Chapulis at (860) 459-0964, or e-mail him at tims.inc@snet.net. For information about Tim’s, Inc., and the Dec. 4 safety deposit box sale, please log on to www.timsauction.com.
