Lot 821

"A Matter of Time" by James McCarthy 1947 HC History Of The Watch In DJ

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"A Matter of Time" by James McCarthy 1947 HC History Of The Watch In DJ

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Estimate: $50 - $100

Starting Bid: $24

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by The Book Barn
August 13, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Timed Auction
353 Indian Village Road
Shapliegh, ME, US 07076

SCARCE ANTIQUE 1947 Hardcover History Of The Watch In Dust Jacket. "A Matter of Time: The Story Of The Watch" by James McCarthy. HARDCOVER 1947 Harper & Brothers 1st Edition early but not 1st Printing w/ "Copyright 1947" & with Capital Letters L-W on copyright page. Exactly as shown in listing scan(s). Nice Collectible 1st Printing hardcover copy in Dust Jacket. UNCOMMON TITLE AS ORIGINAL IN DUST JACKET; ONLY THREE COPIES OF ORIGINAL EDITION ON INTERNET AT TIME OF LISTING.

"This story of how men have contrived to keep track of the passing hour is a chronicle of fascinating progress in mechanical ingenuity and craftsmanship. This book provides a colorful picture of the course from man's first measurement of time according to the shadows of the earth, to the precision watch of today. Mr. McCarthy follows the development from the early sun-dial to the clock, and finally to the refinement of the portable watch. He explores hundreds of curious by-ways of history to discover the contributions of different peoples throughout the world toward mechanical improvement and fine design. The concluding section of the book is devoted to a full-scale description of a typical modern factory, showing how the art of watchmaking has been adapted to methods of mass manufacture. The book is divided into four parts: The Calculation of Time; The Clock; The Portable Timepieces; and The Making of the Modern Watch."

Illustrated with photos. Internally tight & unmarked. Binding Exterior; light general handling wear, but all lettering/decoration bright. Much edge wear/major chipping with loss, especially to top edge of SELDOM PRESENT $3.00 unclipped DJ.

NO REMAINDER MARK; NOT X-LIBRARY. ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED, NOT DEFECTIVE, & GENUINE.

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  • Condition: Good Plus Condition

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We do all our own shipping. Shipping will be added to winning bidder's invoice for item(s) won. Media Mail postage from USPS will be used for shipping in the United States for those items allowed. Lowest alternative cost shipping will be billed for items not allowed by USPS to be shipped by Media Mail. Foreign winning bidders will pay postage based on their countries small/medium/large Flat Rate box postage rates & weight of the package. Other types of postage are available at added expense at the bidders request. You also agree to pay any applicable taxes and/or customs/import duties. A Tracking Number will be provided to buyer. Insurance is mandatory on packages over $100 USD and will be added to postage charges when applicable.

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