In the Victorian Era, a woman was not properly accessorized unless she had a great looking cameo in her arsenal. The most valued cameos were those that had solid gold bezels, like this one. Not only is it solid gold, but 18k to boot! What really makes it stellar, however, is the classical-themed Athenian lady that is hand-carved in relief. Her hair, clothing, and regal demeanor set the tone and the wonderful colors of the hand-carved shell lend all the right attributes to make this a very desirable example.
This particular cameo also has the best of both worlds when it comes to wearing it -- it has the standard pin back, but it also has an articulated loop at the top that allows it to be worn as a necklace pendant. When turned down, it disappears so it can't be seen when being worn as a pin. The gold bezel surround is substantial and is hand engraved at its edge. A rope banding where the bezel joins the oval back finishes off the piece with a little extra classical style.
It measures approximately 39mm wide, by 50mm tall, by 12mm thick (not including the pin back). It is a real stunner that can be yours! Don't miss it!
This is quite an unusual convertible combination of a necklace and a bracelet. By attaching or detaching the longer necklace neck-piece, one can convert the bracelet to a necklace, or vice-versa. A very clever set... indeed! It is executed in 12K solid rose gold and is very attractive when worn. The combination of the emeralds, the mother-of-pearl, and the white sapphires makes for an unusual piece and a stunning look. The first photo shows the necklace configuration, while the second photo displays the central array, the third photo shows the bracelet configuration, and finally the two complimentary pieces side-by-side. If you are desirous of an unusual necklace/bracelet combination then this may be the set for you!
The Ansonia Clock company has a stellar reputation for quality and we whole-heartedly endorse that sentiment. They started making brass movement clocks in 1850 when the change from wooden clock works was in transition. They were quite successful and held a good segment of the market until about 1914 when the novelty clock became subject to fierce competition. This was Ansonia's strongest selling line, and, rather than maintain profit, Ansonia attempted to gain volume by offering clocks at "old pricing".
This tactic racked up huge debts, and by 1920 the number of models was down to 136 from a previous 440 models, and then 47 by 1927. In 1926 the company sold its Brooklyn warehouse, but this could not stem the inevitable. In 1929 the majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling was sold to the Soviet government's US trading company Amtorg, just before the stock market crash.
This particular Ansonia was made during their heyday and what a beauty it is. The entire case, which measures 11.5" tall by 8.5" wide, by 4.25" deep, is beautifully gold gilded. There is a central, three dimensional, Putti holding a floral bough just below the dial. The porcelain dial is double sunk and displays one of Ansonia's "Exposed Escapements" that our head clock maker has ticking like the proverbial top. This escapement action is fascinating to observe and Ansonia installed this type of movement in their best clocks. Even the escapement bridge is gilded for maximum effect. This is a very "Art Nouveau" Clock that really gives one a sense of the design esthetic at the turn of the last century. The photos say it all and coupled with our one year warranty for parts and labor this is a clock that will please for generations to come.
Here we have a very elegant Ladies' Swiss (Geneve) key-wind pocket watch with inlaid enamel. It is an 8 jewel, key-wind, key-set, cylinder movement, executed in 18K solid gold... and what a beauty it is! The watch measures 33mm in diameter, by 45mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 10mm thick. The "Geneve" designation is an indication of high quality and the ability to pass stringent testing. The inner dust cover is inscribed "Geneve Cylindre Rubis", indicating this designation and the fact that it has ruby jewels. Make sure you notice the extraordinary inlaid enamel in a three leaf foliate design on the back cover. There is some minor loss of enamel, but it is quite spectacular for such an old piece. It still has its original "Bullseye" crystal which is in great shape. The Geneva Finger Bridge movement is in fantastic condition and setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did over 143 years ago. Our one-year warranty will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Victorian era was a time of excessive ornamentation and it was said that "too much was not enough". The Victorian Parlor Clock (or "Kitchen Clock" as they are called in the trade) was the perfect example of over-the-top design. These "Parlor Clocks" were decorated with applied gingerbread designs and were quite affordable for the common man. This particular "Parlor Clock" was made by the E. Ingraham Clock Company, circa 1892. It is all-original, eight day, time and strike, on coiled gong. The oak case measure 24" tall, by 15.5" in width, by 5" deep and our head clockmaker has it running just as it did over 126 years ago! The E. Ingraham Company was founded circa 1860 and Elias Ingraham, who was primarily a case maker with the Brewster & Ingrahams Company struck to make his own clocks. They had originally bought movements from a variety of sources, but by 1865 decided to bring it all in-house and make their own. Eventually, Elias' son, Edward, took over the reins of the business and developed a patent for the application of black japanning of wooden cases. This was to prove extremely popular with the public and Ingraham became the leading maker of "Black Mantle Clocks." Here, we offer a very nice Ingraham for you to put on your mantle. Our one year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
Waltham was the second largest watch company in the world, after Elgin, and they were a force to be reckoned with! The American Waltham Watch Company (later Waltham) is one of America's oldest watchmakers. They held forth in Roxbury, later Waltham, Mass., and were one of the giants of the American watch industry. They made millions of pocket watches, but not so many wristwatches, due to the fact that they only made wristwatches until 1949. The travel clocks, like this one, are even harder to find in good, running condition. Waltham was in business at the factory until 1957, but only in order to re-case and sell inventory on hand. As the wristwatch rose in its ascendancy, Waltham was on the decline. This Waltham, however, was made circa 1926, when they were in stiff competition for the hearts of Americans. It is in the form that was used for both car clocks and, like this one, for travel clocks that could be transported and then set-up on a night stand for easy viewing. When they were used in automobiles, the clock would grasp the dashboard, just as it does the travel case (between the front and rear bezels), and the crown would protrude just below the edge of the dashboard, for convenient winding. The travel case size measures 4.12" by 4.25"by 1" thick. The actual clock case measures 37mm in diameter, by 81mm, from the bottom of the case to the top of the crown, by 21mm thick. The back of the travel case is stamped Germany - U.S. Zone. The all-original dial and hands are in great shape, with a wonderful patina. It has its original lume on the Arabic numerals and the skeletonized hands, but the numbers no longer glow. There is, however, a faint glow from the hands. It is a very utilitarian clock that can be used on a desk, in the bedroom, or virtually anywhere you travel. It is an eight-day (so marked on the dial) which means it runs and keeps time for a full week, with a day's winding in reserve. Our head watchmaker has it setting, winding, and keeping time just as it did way back in 1926.
The Waterbury Clock Company is an old one that was incorporated in the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, on March 5, 1857, but their origins harken back to January 14, 1843, when its parent company, the Benedict & Burnham Manufacturing Company, was founded.
Benedict & Burnham were manufacturers of sheet brass, and anything else that involved brass which they could fabricate. The industry was moving to all-brass movement plates by mid-1800s and brass clock movements were being used in millions of clocks manufactured by such companies as Seth Thomas, Gilbert Clock Co., Ansonia Clock Company and virtually all other clock manufacturers. It was natural for Benedict & Burnham to expand their influence by making clock movements themselves so that they had a hand in fabrication, from raw material, right on through the finished product. This particular Waterbury, made in New Haven, Connecticut was know as the "Galesburg", circa 1906. It has survived several lifetimes of use with great panache. Our head clockmaker has it running just as Waterbury intended. It is such an impressive and handsome clock that you can't help but feast your eyes on it. The solid oak case is in fantastic condition and it is highlighted by the tree finials that stand atop the crown molding. These finial shapes are repeated by no less than seven iterations, just opposite the 9 and the 3, again opposite the top of the pendulum bob, just below the bottom edge, and finally at the very bottom of the clock. The Roman numeral dial has a ring of brass at its center and an outer bezel, also made from brass. This brass matches the pendulum bob and even the gong base which is visible just under the six o'clock position at the back of the case. It strikes the hours and half hours on a very resonant gong coil that lets you know of its presence. There are two winding arbors for time & strike and it is an eight day movement. The dial is 8" in diameter and the case is 52" tall, by 14.75" wide, by 5.5" deep. Yes, it is an impressive long-case wall clock that you can be proud to own. Our one year warranty, for parts & labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Columbus Watch Company was making pocket watches in Columbus, Ohio from 1874 until 1903. As a matter of fact, Dietrich Gruen (later of the Gruen Watch Company) was the founder at the age of 27. He had developed a safety pinion (which prevented damage to the watch gears if a mainspring broke) and was granted a patent that same year. He started by finishing movements imported from Madretsch, Switzerland (a suburb of Biel...a well known watch-making area). By 1882, D. Gruen and his partner W. J. Savage began making watches locally and by 1884 were also making their own dials. This particular Columbus was made circa 1891 and is housed in a yellow gold-filled, 18 size, hunting case. It contains a full-plate, lever-set, gilded, 7 jewel movement with the famous "Patented Pinion". By 1894, the company went into receivership and Gruen started again as D. Gruen & Sons, emerging with the later fame of the Gruen Watch Company. This watch has such an interesting case, due to the mirror-like center design on both lids. This is surrounded by a fancy, overall floral engraving that gives a rich appearance. The front lid has an un-engraved cartouche and the back lid is centered by a single flower in full bloom. Is is quite unusual. The porcelain dial displays Roman numerals, a sunken seconds bit, and blued-steel hands. The set lever is at the 5 o'clock position and the crystal bezel has a reeded edge. Even the case middle is engraved with the floral design and the case lids snap down with real authority. Of course, our watchmakers have it winding, setting, and keeping time like the fine watch it was meant to be. Don't miss it!
Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will assure you of years of continued pleasure and service from this very nice Columbus.
The Elgin Watch Company had a great sense of what the public wanted and how to make those watches that filled the bill. This ladies' solid gold, "O" size hunting case really hit the nail on the head. It was elegant and unobtrusive and it added just the right touch to a lady's costume, circa 1897. The 14k solid gold case measures 36mm in diameter, by 49mm (from the case bottom to the top of the bow), by 11mm thick... just the right size to wear on a slide chain or on a watch pin. It is a 7 jewel (typical for a ladies watch at this time) and it bears the inscription (on the inner dust cover) "Cora Partlow from Grandpa January 17, 1897"... if only they could talk and tell us what they had seen in the late 1890s. The porcelain dial is beautiful in its simplicity and is contrasted by the delicate blued steel hands. This is the only one we have had the pleasure to own with these fascinating concentric circles as the case design. The cartouche has the letter "N" engraved in script on the front case lid. So it's perfect if your name is Nancy, Norma, Nina, Natalie, Nellie... well you get the idea! Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
We get more Elgin pocket watches than almost any other company's production, due to our proximity to the Elgin area (a suburb of Chicago) and we are delighted that this is so because, Elgin was a wonderful company that made a really nice watch. The plus side for you, today, is that we have also purchased a large stock of Elgin parts, over the years we have been in business (38 and counting) and we can fix anything they made, with all original parts. This 15 jewel, three-quarter plate, nickel movement in a yellow gold-filled, 16 size hunting case measuring 47mm in diameter, by 41mm from the bottom of the case to the top of the bow, by 8mm thick. The watch has been lovingly cared for since 1910 and our head watchmaker tells me that he thinks it is good for another 100 years, if you take good care of it. The porcelain dial is very nice and it sports black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands. Notice the seconds bit at the six o'clock position and how nice the engraving is on the case lid and back. The cartouche has the original owner's initials engraved in a very fancy script that appears as an integral design of the watch. It is a very nice hunter that can be yours. Our one year warranty for parts and labor will allow you to enjoy it worry-free!
Waltham was a wonderful and prolific watch manufacturer located in Waltham, Ma. and they were in business from 1851 to 1957, in various iterations. Their earlier efforts, circa 1850, in Roxbury, MA, resulted in the Howard, Dennison & Davis moniker later changed to Boston Watch Company, then Appleton, Tracey, & Co., the American Watch Co., and finally the Waltham Watch Company. They were one of the giants of the industry and second largest only to Elgin. This Waltham is a 21 Jewel, "Crescent Street", adjusted to temperature and 5 positions. It is a lever-set, yellow gold-filled case, double sunk porcelain dial (with bold Arabic numerals), railroad watch that measures 51mm in diameter, by 62mm from the case bottom to the top of the bow, by 18mm thick (including the crystal). It is a screw back, screw bezel case and the hands are bold blued steel. There is a seconds bit at the 6 o'clock position that also has a blued steel hand. It sports strong shoulders surrounding the crown and a non-pull-out bow. What a nice 16 size railroad pocket watch! It is running well within railroad standards, just as it should, and the engraved bezels (front and back) give it a handsome look. There is minor brassing on the case back high points but it does not detract. This may be the one for you. If so, give us a call. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.
The Rockford Watch company held forth from 1873 until 1915, a fairly short time in the history of watch factories, but they really made their mark due to their quality pocket watches. They only made 1,000,000 watches over that time period. So, there are not many about, today. The factory started with machinery that they purchased from the Cornell Watch Company and, at their zenith, employed about 400 workers. There is a contemporary account of production being about 70 watches a day with a sidebar saying that they were behind in their orders. By 1888, they had increased production to 150 per day and by 1901 they were re-organized with plans for increased production, but there were many impediments in the way. On September 26th, 1903, their 100 foot tall brick chimney was struck by lightening damaging a 40 foot section and causing a ton of bricks to fall and break out the windows on the north side of the building, were light was admitted for the benefit of those workers who were assembling watches. A Miss Carrie Hensel, who was an employee of the train department, "was taken home in serious condition on the verge of nervous prostration." A machinist by the name of Mr. Braconian said "his apron was torn off during the excitement" and that "he was stunned for a short time." By 1915, it was all over. The downturn in the watch market contributed to their demise, as did many other factors, but while they were in business they were a well-respected company who made great watches.
This particular Rockford is an 18 size, circa 1880, 11 jewel, coin silver, sidewinder, which is in a 59mm diameter case that is 23mm thick (including the crystal) and is 84mm from the bottom of the case to the top of the bow. It is massive... what one of the old-timers would call a real "turnip." Our master watchmaker has it performing just as it did way back when... a testament to their engineering. Our one-year warranty, for parts and labor, will allow you to buy with confidence.