Rare Waltham girandole clock may realize $20,000-$40,000 at Gordon S. Converse auction, Dec. 28th

Dec. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- (MALVERN, Pa.) – Over 400 quality lots of important antique clocks, Asian objects, fine art, porcelain and antiques in an array of categories will be sold at auction Wednesday, Dec. 28, by Gordon S. Converse & Company, at the Peoples Light & Theater Company in Malvern, a city situated in eastern Pennsylvania, not far off of Interstate 76 and just west of Philadelphia, Pa.

   Previews will be held Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26-27, from 9-5, and on Wednesday, the date of sale, Dec. 28, from 8:30-10 a.m., when the first gavel comes down. Online bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com, and phone, write-in and absentee bids will also be accepted. The Peoples Light & Theater Company is located at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern.

   The action will begin promptly at 10 a.m. (EST), but bidders may preview the lots online, at the Gordon S. Converse & Company website (www.auctionsatconverse.com). “We’re billing this as a holiday auction, as it’s coming close on the heels of Christmas,” said Gordon Converse. “The week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically kind of quiet -- a good time to buy.”

   Speaking of time, the sale will feature a major collection of 19th century American clocks to go with a great general selection of other fine clocks. This is an exceptional opportunity for collectors to snap up some marvelous 19th century wall clocks that have become desired for their decorative qualities. About 100 clocks will be sold, most of them late 19th century wall clocks.

Also included are two “wagon spring” clocks and miniature shelf clocks dating prior to the 1840s. Other examples include “ripple” molded shelf clocks and a rare ‘off center’ pendulum pillar and scroll model, and a very rare torsion pendulum clock by Aaron Dodd Crane. Other European examples include a musical Austrian mantel clock, a ‘world time’ wall timepiece in an elaborately carved walnut case from Austria, and examples of French and German clock making.  

Following is a list of just a few clocks expected to generate considerable bidder interest:

A very rare Waltham girandole clock, serial number 1 of less than 50. In excellent condition, with an unusual added thermometer in the throat (est. $20,000-$40,000).

A submarine commemorative clock, in which a sailor waves in triumph, emerging from what may be one of the first real submarines, 33 inches tall, mounted on a wood base, with a French-made 8-day time and strike movement (est. $1,600-$4,000).

An Ansonia ‘Antique’ wall clock, legendary for its high-quality gilt metal mounts and superb decorative function. This example, in oak, is in great condition, with original barley twist weights and applied metal accouterments (est. $2,500-$3,500).

An E. Howard & Co. banjo #4 timepiece made in the late 19th century and housed in a splendid rosewood case, 32 inches tall by 13 ½ inches wide (est. $1,500-$3,000).

A solid mahogany chime hall clock by Elite, with the tubular ‘bells’ striking the quarter hours on nine tubes and with triple chime selection. The case is carved in the traditional style, and the clock is majestic at 101 inches tall (est. $2,000-$3,500).

A 90-inch-tall, early 19th century tall case clock with an engraved brass dial signed “W. Hunter, Dunssermiln,” with seconds bit and calendar. Housed in a mahogany case, with 8-day bell strike movement in very good condition (est. $2,000-$3,000).

Asian objects will include several fine ‘blue and white’ porcelains, plus a wide array of other porcelains and artifacts. Many Asian objects date to the 19th century, while other examples are from prior dynasties. Jade and jade related jewelry will also be sold. Porcelain panels bound in wood will be coveted for their decorative qualities; several examples of these will be offered.   

While most Asian objects are Chinese in origin, there will also be a selection of Japanese porcelain and fine arts. Of special interest will be about 19 lots of highly collectible carved ivories (including Netsukes and Japanese ivory carvings of miniature fruit), signed  numbered prints by Kiyoshi Saito, framed prints by Toyokuni, and a framed wood block print of a geisha.

   The fine art category will feature signed prints by Andrew Wyeth and Salvador Dali, a lithographic print after Georges Braque, and a framed lithograph by Joseph Floch. Various other collectible items include a handsome sampler dated 1826, a Nantucket purse, an inlaid box, a candle stand, and many more unusual antiques, ceramics, decorative arts and furniture pieces.

   Gordon S. Converse & Co. is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly, at (610) 722-9004; or, e-mail them at Gordon@ConverseClocks.com. Gordon Converse replies promptly to all e-mails.

   Anyone interested in finding out what an antique item might be worth may do so by sending a photo of the item, along with a check for $40, to Gordon S. Converse & Co., Attn: Gordon S. Converse, 758 Mancill Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. For more information on the Dec. 28 holiday sale, please log on to www.AuctionsatConverse.com.

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Ken Hall writes pre-sale and post-sale press releases for auction houses, for a fee. He writes, submits and tracks stories for clients. Submissions are published in trade magazines, posted on industry websites and appear in local newspapers.