Review of April 26 and 27 Horological Auction

New Hampshire Horological Auction Firm Sets World Record For an American Pocketwatch

 Jones and Horan Auction Team’s sale of April 26 and 27, 2008 contained more than 650 lots, and the highest prices were achieved by two scarce American pocketwatches.  A George Reed pivoted detent chronometer in 18K gold hunting case serial #13 circa 1865 and an Albert Potter pocketwatch serial #20 provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for advanced and serious collectors to own fine examples from the hands of two of America’s watchmaking geniuses. 

 Patty Jones, head auctioneer, prefaced selling the George Reed by saying, “I sure hope I can sell this one”, indicating that the Reed was one of the few pieces in the auction to carry a reserve.  Ms. Jones calmly cried out looking for an opener at $55,000.  She kept her cool as she echoed four or five more times the same figure, when finally a staff woman on the phone jumped up with excitement exclaiming loudly “Yes!”  Receiving no further advancement, the Reed was hammered down at $55,000 thereby establishing another World record for the auction house.  With no time for anti-climax the Albert Potter was next to cross the auction block.  Carrying no reserve, fierce floor bidding quickly drove the piece from an opening bid of $9,000 to the selling price of $18,500.   Jones and Horan does not charge a Buyer’s Premium.

 The famous Red Skelton’s (1913-1997) personal watch collection was up next.  Known as “America’s Clown”, Mr. Skelton was one of the most well loved comedians of all time.  His collection included a number of endearingly personalized pieces and they garnered lots of attention.  His 18K Swiss minute repeating, chronograph, triple calendar and moonphase brought $5,600.  A French automaton with three striking figures in multicolor gold more than tripled its modest $2,000 estimate and sold at $6,300, and his Swiss 4-hammer 3-gong carillion slide minute repeater in 18K gold brought $11,000.  Each of the items was sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Skelton’s widow.

A fine collection of wristwatches followed next and included a man’s Cartier Panther in 18K gold circa 1986 which sold at $5,600, a Cartier lady’s Vendome quartz in 18K gold circa 1989 sold at $4,400, a Vacheron & Constantin caliber V453 in 18K rose gold case with horned lugs sold at $3,900, and a Patek Philippe ref 3730 in 18K gold including original box and instructions sold at $4,700.  The auction culminated with about 320 more lots of very fine Pocketwatches including many high-grade European and American pieces. All these lots may be viewed along with prices realized on the firm’s website. 

Jones and Horan Auction Team is looking forward to continuing their banner year with three more auctions to be held June 22, September 28, and November 22 and 23 at the Raddison Hotel & Conference center in downtown Manchester, NH.  Early highlights of the next June 22 auction include a Lange & Söhne minute repeater with chronograph, a very fine private collection of over 100 gold pocketwatches, an early Swiss drum-playing musical pocketwatch and a high-grade Swiss minute repeating, chronograph, moon phase perpetual calendar.  

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