10-31-201510-31-2015
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
October 31, 2015 10:00 AMCalender
294

Simon Willard Jr. Brass Skeleton Clock

Sell one like this
$19,680$16,000
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 2857MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: October 31, 2015 10:00AM

Description:

Simon Willard Jr. Brass Skeleton Clock, Boston, Massachusetts, or New York City, c. 1825-35, the skeletonized thirty-hour timepiece with recoil escapement, crutch with beat setting device, brass and lead-filled pendulum bob and a yoke supporting two sets of brass pulleys and weights, object left powers the clock with smaller counter weight for pull cord wind without removing the glass dome, object right for symmetry, all resting on two brass pillars flanking a silvered brass plate and thermometer marked Simon Willard essentially hidden while the silvered Roman numeral dial is in place, below the signature carries the marking Thermometer/Fahrenheit, calibrations and explanations flanking the glass mercury vial, Fever Heat/Blood Heat/Summer Heat/Temperate and Freezing, ebonized pedestal and glass dome, ht. with glass dome, 23 in.

Note: It is likely that skeleton clocks of this type were imported by Simon Willard Jr. and sold under his own name while working with his father in Roxbury as Simon Willard & Son, or while working with Dominick Eggert in New York. The partially stamped maker's mark gives a tempting glimpse at the possible maker reading Aug (te)..(Rol..)Moinu..e.. Another example of this rare form although lacking the thermometer plate, is found in the collections of the Willard House and Clock Museum and is illustrated and discussed in Roger Robinson and Herschel Burt, The Willard House and Clock Museum and the Willard Family of Clockmakers, p. 203. Additional discussion and another example is found in Derek Roberts, Continental and American Skeleton Clocks, p. 97. Also, please see Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Timepieces, pp. 333-4 for excellent biographical information on Simon Willard, Jr.
Estimate $8,000-12,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Simon Willard Jr., Simon Willard, Derek Roberts, Paul J. Foley, Dominick Eggert, Herschel Burt, New York City