Mass. Girandole Clock, Unsigned

Item Description

C.1920, Massachusetts Girandole, made with an aged look to appear as a C.1815 Lemuel Curtis. Condition: remarkably excellent original condition, with nice tablets, gilding, hands and dial. This clock has excellent provenance. It was originally purchased by Marcus Coolidge, US Senator from Massachusetts {copy of payment receipt dated Sept 1, 1932}, was inherited by his daughter, Helen Coolidge Woodring {her husband Harry, was US Sec'y of War 1936-40}, and subsequently inherited by her son, Cooper Coolidge Woodring. Cooper had the clock appraised by Hergonson and Werner of New York in 1977, who wrote it up as an original Curtis. 24 years later, he consigned it to Phillips Auction {St. Louis, 2001}, who gave it a 3 page color spread [pages 25-27], and an estimate of $50,000—$60,000. The clock was sold for a substantial sum, then was returned to Phillips because it did not have a C.1815 movement. Phillips honorably refunded the monies and returned the clock to Cooper Woodring. Bob Cheney of Mass, later helped him negotiate a private sale of the clock (properly represented as a 20th century item), and now, after 4 years, it is consigned here. With the clock are included; 1>copy of signed and dated Hergonson appraisal to Woodrings for $30,000, 2> Life history of Harry Woodring 3> Phillips text proof pages for their catalog, 4> the actual Phillips catalog from May 5-6, 2001, documenting the clocks ownership since the 1930's. 5> Copy of handwritten receipt by L. J. Wyman, prop of the "Littlest Clock and Watch Shop", covering the girandole and 4 other clocks he sold to Senator Coolidge in 1932, and 6> Copy of April 2001 Nawcc Mart, wherein the clock is pictured on page 19. The top eagle has a repaired wing, and dowel needs re-newing; otherwise no deficiencies. Ht 44" Price includes 10% premium