Rare German Crucifix Clock Sells for $20,160 At R.O. Schmitt

One clock at the Schmitt antique clock auction, which was conducted May 7 and 8 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, N.H., drew tons of attention. It was the circa 1620 Augsburg Striking Crucifix. This had been found in the Knapp estate, according to catalog notes, and had been purchased in 1975 for $4,500. Knapp was from the Chicago, and was a private collector interested in mechanical things. In terms of the clock itself, according to Bob Schmitt, principal at the firm, "There wasn't a lot going on in clock making 400 years ago, except in Germany. The church had a lot to do with wealth - the town and civilization, it all grew up around the church. It was the center of learning and clock making. These clocks are exceedingly rare. They usually sell in Frankfurt, London or Geneva."

This German clock in the shape of a crucifix was the top lot of the day, selling for $20,160.

A David Williams eight-day Regulator from 1865, which had been made in North Attleboro, Mass., was sold on day two for $2,072. A circa 1885 Charles Frodsham, signed and made for the French market - a lady's desk clock with porcelain panels front and side - brought $2,800. An 1889 E.N. Welch No. 11 Regulator clock in mahogany - a 30-day with double spring time - brought $5,376. A very cool and stylish Art Deco clock in the shape of a 1930s automobile and made of marble and bronze, signed F. Rasumny, brought $5,040.

A circa 1875 E. Howard, Boston, banjo clock, the Number 5, was in terrific original condition and sold for $2,800. A wonderfully stylish circa 1925 (attributed to) Sterling Bronze Company, New York, was offered on the second day of the auction. It featured two muscular bronze male figures holding the marble clock on their shoulders. Very impressive and in great condition, it sold for $4,480. A circa 1904 Ansonia hanging wall clock in oak, an eight-day model with brass trimmings, brought $5,600.

Said Mr Schmitt in a postsale chat, "We had no surprises at this sale. Things that are unusual garnered a lot of attention. The auction was about 15 percent less than we had hoped. We knew that it was going to be down going into the sale and it was. I've been doing this since 1979, and the real banner years were 1998-2003. Prices started to slide off a little. We're doing fine, we're getting bidders."

He added, "We are doing more mailing to keep the momentum going."

R.O Schmitt has also added the eBay Live option, which in this case accounted for about ten percent of the sales. "Almost none of the eBay customers were over $500, many were under $100, which makes me think they are novices or bargain hunters," he said.

The extra large hall at the Radisson conference center where Mr Schmitt conducts his auction was divided in two - one half for the many rows of seats, the other for the many tables displaying the 641 clocks and timepieces. Dealers and collectors had come a long way to attend this sale. During preview, they were busy examining their picks and there was certainly was a lot to look at. The cavernous auction hall was mostly full during the sale. The customers who attend the Schmitt auction do so with confidence. Mr Schmitt does a terrific job of meticulously describing every clock as to date, condition, repair or replacements.

Prices include 12 percent buyer's premium.

For information, www.antiqueclockauction.com or 603-893-5915.