Skinner Science, Technology and Clocks Auction to Feature Rare Holtzapffel & Company Rose Engine Lat Prominent antique watch collection will also be offered
the pendant is depressed. A gold-quarter-repeating musical watch (lot 295, $2,000 to $3,000) plays a tone on request to indicate the nearest quarter-hour. Repousse and shagreen watch cases will also be available.
Notable clock offerings include an E. Howard & Company No. 23 ninety-day astronomical regulator from Boston circa 1870 (lot 511, $70,000 to $90,000). A selection of American musical clocks and chiming clocks will also be sold.
Surgical Sets and Scientific Instruments
Two very significant surgical sets will be offered, including an exhibition surgical set comprised of ruby-set mother-of-pearl-handled implements by George Tiemann & Company (lot 163, $80,000 to $100,000). Tiemann & Company was a prominent exhibitor in 1876 at the Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia.
Of local interest is a Henry J. Bigelow gold-plated presentation surgical set (lot 164, $20,000 to $25,000). Bigelow (1818-1890), a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and noted professor of surgery at the Harvard Medical School, was present during the first use of ether as a surgical anesthetic in 1846 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Bigelow quickly published a report in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal (Vol. 35, November 18, 1846) lauding this milestone of "one of the most important discoveries of the age."
A John Bryne 4-inch brass refracting telescope (lot 101, $10,000 to $12,000), built in 1880 in New York, will be offered. Bryne was an apprentice to telescope maker Henry Fitz in 1847 and subsequently worked with him until Fitz's death in 1863. Well-known astronomer Edward Barnard used a Bryne telescope to discover several comets. Other important scientific instruments include a Benjamin Pike & Sons vacuum pump (lot 118, $1,000 to $1,500) and an early Thatcher calculator (lot 127, $1,000 to $1,500).
Previews, Catalogue and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2012, 12p.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, November 30, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday, December 1, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Illustrated catalogue #2623M is available from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive!
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian &
