Rare Miniature Mahogany Patent Timepiece by John Polsey

Description:

Rare Miniature Mahogany Patent Timepiece by John Polsey, Boston, c. 1840, 5-in. painted iron dial with Roman numerals and signed J. Polsey, Boston, half-round mahogany frames enclosing reverse-painted tablets, the lower with American eagle and shield, 3-in. tall brass time-only, weight-powered movement with 14-in. iron rod, brass bob pendulum, and lead weight, ht. 21 1/2 in.

Note: According to Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Timepieces, p. 298, John Polsey (1816-1873) was probably apprenticed to Aaron Willard Jr. about the same time as Edward Howard and David P. Davis. 1852-1856 Boston directories list Polsey as the superintendent of the Howard and Davis balance manufactory. In 1858-59, he was in partnership with David P. Davis, and by the mid-1860s he was involved with Aaron L. Dennison and B.D. Bingham in the Tremont Watch Company.
Estimate $1,500-2,500

No significant repairs or restoration, original gilded finial, weight, pendulum, key, dial undisturbed, glasses with very minor stabilization.

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