Rare 19th century Chinese automaton clock with elaborate jewel work soars to $526,750 at S&S Auction

REPAUPO, N.J. - June 23, 2015 - PRLog -- A rare 19^th century Chinese gilt bronze with enamel automaton clock boasting elaborate jewel work sailed past its pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000 to finish at $526,750 in a two-day, two-session auction held May 17^th-18^th by S & S Auction, Inc., in the firm’s gallery at 62 Repaupo Station Road. The clock was the top lot in a sale that grossed just over $1.1 million.

“The owner of the clock said before the auction he'd be happy if he got $30,000 for it, so it’s safe to say he was pleased with the outcome,” said Glenn Sweeney of S & S Auction, Inc. “I took this as a positive sign that fine examples of antiques can still bring high prices in a changing market.”

The clock, standing 33 inches tall and 15 ¼ inches wide, featured a mechanical spinning dial on the top, spinning trees and simulated waterfalls. It was originally made for the Chinese Imperial market. The buyer – a collector who asked to not be identified – said he plans to install the clock in a planned clock museum that’s not yet built, after he gives it a good cleaning and adjustment.

The Sunday-Monday cataloged auction featured 320 lots of antiques and decorative arts on May 17 and 219 lots of 20^th century modern and design on May 18 (2,500 uncataloged lots also came up for bid). About 250 people attended the auction in person, while over 700 others participated online, through LiveAuctioneers.com. Hundreds of phone and absentee bids were also recorded.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 22.5 percent buyer’s premium.

The Chinese clock was the undisputed star of the May 17 session, but other top lots included a pair of Victorian burl walnut, rosewood and ebonized wood pedestals with porcelain plaques showing hand-painted putti, each pedestal 45 inches tall ($18,375); and a pair of 13-inch-tall 18^th century Continental bronze mounted vases made of polychrome decorated ceramic ($7,962).

Two lots posted identical selling prices of $5,512. One was a pair of neoclassical-style figural bronze and marble tables, each with three 23-inch bronze winged male figures. The tops were 2-inch-thick verdigris marble. The other was a set of five antique Continental oil painting wall panels, both 95 inches tall by 29 ½ inches wide and having oil on canvas works on each panel.

An antique Sevres porcelain console bowl with hand-painted flowers and gilt bronze mounts, 11 ½ inches tall by 22 inches wide, realized $4,594; a signed Tiffany Studios lamp with signed Quezal shades, 16 ½ inches tall, in good condition, fetched $3,981; and a Black Forest carved tobacco jar with an anthropomorphic fox, 17 inches tall and in good condition, rose to $2,450.

Rounding out the Sunday session was a set of four French Empire-style brass curtain tiebacks mounted with 7-inch brass masks, both 10 inches tall by 4 inches wide and in overall very good condition ($2,695); and a 19^th century Edouard Poteau French ormolu mounted credenza with finely cast gilt bronze mounts and repaired marble top, 41 inches tall by 72 inches wide ($3,981).

The top lot of the May 18^th session was a C. J. Weinstein Art Deco starburst chandelier, silver painted metal with frosted glass spikes, 26 inches in diameter, in good condition ($15,312). Also finishing strong was a Hans Wegner President rosewood tambour door sideboard with metal legs, 31 inches tall by 79 inches wide, in good shape save for a few minor veneer chips ($7,656).

A gorgeous Art Deco dressing table made from rosewood and ostrich skin, unmarked but attributed to Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, 49 inches tall by 39 ¼ inches wide and in very good condition, gaveled for $6,125; while a pair of Robsjohn Gibbings upholstered lounge chairs with walnut frames, still with the original finish and exhibiting some light wear, commanded $5,635.

A rare and unusual Arteluce Monza brass pedestal table with a glass top, 29 inches tall and 29 inches in diameter, with some pitting on the brass finish and an edge chip on the glass, coasted to $3,185; and an Aldo Tura lacquered goatskin bar cabinet with brass hardware climbed to $2,450.

After a Monday, June 29^th Modern Design auction, S & S Auction, Inc. plans to conduct a major sale, probably during the first week of August. The dates and details are still being worked out and fine items are being secured. Watch the website as August approaches: www.ssauction.com.

Established in 1972, S&S Auction, Inc., is conveniently located in southern New Jersey, at exit 14 off Interstate 295, just minutes from the New Jersey Turnpike, Philadelphia bridges and the Philadelphia airport. Each auction features over 6,000 pieces of furniture, chandeliers, glassware, art, 18^th /19^th /20^th century American, Continental and Victorian furniture and Modern Design.

S&S Auction, Inc., is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (856) 467-3778, or, you can send them an e-mail at info@ssauction.com. To learn more about S & S Auction, Inc., and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auctions for the rest of 2015, visit www.ssauction.com. Updates are posted frequently.

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