Chinese animated two-sided bracket clock, one side with a Chinese theme, the other a Western theme, both with 6-inch porcelain dials. Estimate: $50000-$100000.

 PITTSFIELD, MASS.- Two Chinese animated bracket clocks – one a rare two-sided model, the other a triple fusee example – are each expected to sell for $50,000-$100,000 each at Fontaine's Auction Gallery's cataloged antique and clock auction scheduled for Saturday, February 27th , in the firm's gallery at 1485 Housatonic Street in Pittsfield, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern time. 

The two-sided clock, which is set up for two time zones, has a Chinese theme on one side and a Western theme on the other. Both sides have 6-inch porcelain dials. The gilt bronze clock has an animated, two-tier revolving carousel of figures at the top, rotating clockwise. The upper tier has a border of red and clear rhinestones, a palm tree umbrella that opens to expose the upper figures, plus glass rods resembling a fountain. 

Rare 2 Sided Chinese Animated Bracket Clock. Estimate: $50000-$100000.

Gilt bronze clock with animated 2 tier revolving carousel of figures at the top, the figures rotate clockwise, upper tier has a border of red and clear rhinestones, a palm tree umbrella that opens to expose the upper figures and spinning spiral glass rods in the center resemble a fountain. One side of the clock has a Chinese theme with a 6 in. porcelain dial with colorful porcelain surrounding, elegant gilt pierced brass hands and sweep seconds hand, the arch above the dial has a pierced decorated and painted rainforest scene with 13 spiral glass rods spinning to resemble falling rain. The other side of the clock has a Western theme with 6 in. porcelain dial, pierced filigree corner spandrels, black pierced hands and painted arch with western figures in a country scene; the center of the arch has an animated curtain that rolls up and displays an animated acrobat. Animated mechanisms function simultaneously along with a brass cylinder music box mounted on top of the clock movement. 8 day triple fusee spring driven pendulum movement with crown wheel escapement operating both dials; quarter hour strike on 2 bells, striking double bells for each quarter and strikes on the hour before activating the animated mechanism. Clock was likely designed for a traveler with homes in both China and Europe, the clock could be displayed with the Chinese dial in China and the Western style dial in Europe. Has original winding key. 36 in. high x 12 in. wide x 8 in. deep. Weight: 50 lbs.

The triple fusee clock, housed in a carved teak wood bracket case, is in beautiful condition, with the original finish. It has a series of rods that rotate, emulating falling rain, while a row of ducks swim right to left in the front. All the while, a pair of carved wood Chinese acrobat figures on a platform appear from behind one door and disappear behind another door, as they dance and flip. 

Chinese Triple Fusee Animated Bracket Clock. Estimate: $50000-$100000.

6 in. porcelain dial with black Roman hour numerals, fancy pierced gilt hands and sweep seconds hand, has a brass bezel and pierced brass corner spandrels. Quality brass spring driven triple fusee movement has a filigree engraved back plate, winding arbors in the rear, 3 fusee cones with chains powering the time, strike and animated mechanism, duplex escapement with large 1 3/8 in. balance wheel in running condition, strikes on the hour and also has a double bell quarter hour strike, striking 1, 2 3 & 4 double bells; after the hour strike, the animated mechanism is activated including an 8 nested bell strike as 13 spiral glass vertical rods and 2 horizontal rods rotate emulating falling rain and a row of ducks swimming right to left in the front, simultaneously with the rainfall animation, a pair of carved wood Chinese acrobat figures on a platform appearing from behind one door, rotate and disappear behind a second door as they dance and flip over crossbars. Timepiece and animated mechanisms are in working condition. In a carved teak wood bracket clock case having an arched bell form with bronze bezel around beveled front door glass, bronze filigree feet, mounts and corner trim, pierced gallery banister at the top wraps around a hexagonal Chinese pagoda with gilt bronze dragon mounts and fancy turned filigree; the pagoda has 3 glass panels exposing the animated acrobats, painted metal back panels and turned corner columns, the double door panel has stenciled highlights with roll-up cloth doors in good working condition. In beautiful condition, original finish, no missing or broken parts, no breaks or cracks in the wood, all mechanisms are functional, has original key. 30 in. high x 13.25 in. wide x 8.5 in. deep. 36 lbs. 

The auction will feature more than 500 quality lots, including antique clocks from several fine collections and private estates, antique furniture (by renowned makers such as John H. Belter, J. & J. W. Meeks and R.J. Horner), watches, chronometers, barometers, lamps, fine art glass, historical and political items, toys, banks, estate oil paintings, statuary, musical items and more. 

The clocks will include makers such as E. Howard & Co., Seth Thomas, Ansonia, Ithaca, Elmer O. Stennes, Foster Campos, Chelsea, Atkins, Walter Durfee, J.J. Elliot, Waltham, Wm. Gilbert, F. Kroeber, New Haven, Waterbury, Eli Terry, E. N. Welch, E. Ingraham, Tiffany & Company, Sessions and LeCoultre. Sold will be French silk thread clocks, industrial clocks, mystery clocks, annular clocks, annular and animated clocks, English fusee clocks and more – a broad selection. 

Clock collectors and horologists will instantly recognize the name E. Howard & Co. (Boston). They are a staple at many Fontaine's auction and this sale is no exception. Examples include a street post clock so stately and large (140 inches tall) it will only be available for pick-up by the buyer from the estate location (est. $15,000-$25,000); and a No. 82 grandfather clock, also quite impressive in size at 100 inches tall and housed in a fine mahogany case (est. $10,000-$15,000).

A full-sized violin by Giovanni Battista Ceruti of Italy dated 1801, with two bows, sporting an amber finish with nice patina and contained in a suspension case, is expected to change hands for $25,000-$50,000. From the fine art category, a fine quality watercolor study of a familiar scene by the renowned Western artist Frederic Remington (Am., 1861-1909), titled A Dash for the Timber (1889), of two riders shooting over their shoulders, should hammer for $15,000-$25,000.  

Giovanni Battista Ceruti, Violin and 2 Bows. Estimate: $25000-$50000. 

Full sized violin signed with paper label "Jo. Baptista Ceruti Cremonensis fecit Cremonae An. 1801" and has "GBC" in a circle mark; repair label reads "Meandans Baldono Malin, 1934". Spruce top table with Guarneri designed F-holes, fine flamed maple waist, back and neck with fancy scroll. Amber finish has a nice patina; has a 4 very tight lines in the top plate, no visible damages or losses to the back, waist, neck or scroll. Body measures 14 in. long x 8.25 in. wide, total length from button to top of scroll 23.5 in. long. 2 Bows, 1 with oval "SK" stamp for "Samuel Kolstein, the other unmarked, both are round and having an octagonal grip, in nice condition, 29 in. long. Certificates from Samuel Kolstein & Son, Ltd., New York, dated July 1, 1999. In a suspension case measuring 6 in. high x 31.5 in. wide x 10 in. deep. Weight: 8.5 lbs. 

Keeping with artwork, two fine sculptures are expected to do well. One is a carved white marble double figure sculpture attributed to Henry Spencer Moore (Br., 1898-1986), with gray striations, unsigned, 19 ½ inches tall, should garner $10,000-$15,000; while a bronze sculpture by Dimitri Chiparus (Rom./Fr., 1886-1947), titled Fille au Pyjama (Girl in Pajamas), of a girl standing in her pajamas, stretching as if waking up, 18 ½ inches tall, is expected to sell for $8,000-$12,000. 

Tiffany lamps and lighting are always a big hit. Expected star lots will include an exceptional bronze and art glass chandelier with 7 stalactite Favrile glass shades, 53 inches tall, with excellent brown patina (est. $25,000-$40,000); a banded Dogwood table lamp, 27 inches tall, with 18-inch signed domical shade (est. $25,000-$35,000); and a Moorish-style oil font table lamp with an excellent 15-inch bronze wire frame shade and inscribed on the base with the President’s Trophy, Cranford Golf Club (NJ), Season 1905, Golf Class A, Won By Horace Rawlins,1905 golf club presentation (est. $8,000-$12,000). 

Exceptional Tiffany Bronze & Art Glass Chandelier. Estimate: $25000-$40000.

Bronze fixture has a long reeded stem over a spherical cluster, 6 arms branching out to support the 21.5 in. gothic style ring below and a pendant stem hanging in the center; each of the 6 outer shades and the center shade hangs from 3 beaded chains with gothic filigree style bronze shade fitters centered with a long post, each with a single pendant socket. The beautiful matching gold iridescent stalactite shades have a gradated gold translucent to opalescent structure with gold iridescent loop borders around the shoulder and hooked feather pattern rising from the points. The large center shade measures 12 in. high x 5 in. dia. fitter, has 2 fitter chips and is numbered S6742; the 6 outer shades measure 11 in. high x 4 in. dial fitter, are in very good condition and are numbered S4480, S4488, S4495, S4497, S4499 and S4506. The fixture has an excellent medium-dark brown original patina, unusual 3 prong "stays" keeping the shades centered around the socket, 1 socket stem is repaired at the top. 53 in. high x 32 in. overall dia. 

Tiffany Studios Banded Dogwood Table Lamp. Estimate: $25000-$35000.

18 in. dia. domical shade signed Tiffany Studios New York 1555, geometric brick pattern background in exceptional mottled dichroic glass which is green when off and fiery orange when lit; the banded border is wrapped with mottled pink dogwood flowers having yellow centers, green leaves and entwined amber branches. 5 very minor single line scattered heat cracks, aperture measures 4.25 in. dia. On a signed Tiffany Studios New York bronze base #8354, with 12 onion bulb pattern along the platform edge and veins running up the stem; matching oil font style top with 3 arms supporting the shade and electric font canister with matching pattern number, spherical 3 socket light cluster and reticulated spun bronze heat cap. In excellent condition. 27 in. high. Weight: 24 lbs. 

Leading the furniture category is a 14-piece griffin-carved mahogany dining set with a large rectangular dining table having a gadrooned carved top edge, and 12 carved mahogany chairs with leather seats from Historic Barnes Hiscock Mansion in Syracuse, New York with Provenance to U.S. President Wm. A. Taft, designed by J.L. Sillsbee architect. (est. $30,000-$50,000). Two lots expected to fetch $8,000-$12,000 are a three-piece R. J. Horner carved mahogany parlor set with sofa and armchair and a matching side chair; and a pair of early John H. Belter Fountain Elms pierce-carved laminated rosewood armchairs. 

14 Pc. Griffin Carved Mahogany Dining Set. From Historic Barnes Hiscock Mansion in Syracuse, New York With Provenance to U.S. President Wm. A. Taft, designed by J.L. Sillsbee architect. Estimate: $30000-$50000.

Large rectangular dining table with gadrooned carved top edge, has full figural standing griffin supports, turned center posts and center leg and on a leaf carved base; has a rack of 7 original leaves measuring 18 in. wide x 52 in. long. Carved Mahogany server with brass gallery, gadrooned carved edge, swirling leaf carved drawer with carved lions head pull, long pilaster style legs on ball and claw feet and 2 tier base with single drawer in the center section having heavy brass pulls. Set of 12 carved mahogany chairs with leather seats with padded leather backs and crest rail; 10 side chairs have figural carved lion heads at the top of the seat posts over acanthus leaf carving, gadrooned seat rails and excellent carved legs with claw feet plus 2 matching armchairs with full standing winged griffin supports. Set is in excellent original condition. Table: 30.5 in. high x 64 in. wide x 52 in. deep ? Server: 43 in. high x 42 in. wide x 20 in. deep. ? Chairs: 40 in. high x 20 in. wide x 22 in. deep ? Armchairs: 41 in. high x 27 in. wide x 29 in. deep.

Provenance: From Historic Barnes Hiscock Mansion in Syracuse, New York With Provenance to U.S. President Wm. A. Taft, designed by J.L. Sillsbee architect. 

Returning to clocks, a mahogany one-year Biedermeier Laterndluhr wall regulator with signed 9-inch porcelain dial, black Roman hour numerals and a sub-seconds dial, all in a fine mahogany Laterndluhr-style case with striped inlays, should breeze to $20,000-$30,000; and a George Jones astronomical floor regulator with massive 17-inch bronze astronomical dial with sweep minute hand, in a beautiful 92-inch-tall walnut case, is expected to hammer for $15,000-$25,000. 

Swinger clocks are also popular with bidders. Offered will be a rare Houdin glass dial mystery swinger clock with a signed, 7-inch beveled glass dial and pierced-decorated and engraved gilt hands with counter balance and small mystery escapement and pendulum (est. $10,000-$15,000); and a large French mystery swinger clock by George Maxim, titled Idylle Printaniere (Idylls of Spring), showing two figures seated in a swing suspended from two trees (est. $8,000-$12,000). 

A French industrial animated clock on a marble base, with a brass and black metal case in the form of an early automobile, with the driver's side of the cab having a 2-inch porcelain clock dial and silvered engraved barometer dial, should rise to $20,000-$30,000; while a French marble and bronze animated Wallace fountain clock with two-tone case in the form of a tower, and a cupola top having a fish scale pattern, dolphin finial and figural maidens, should bring $8,000-$12,000. 

Fans of silver will not be disappointed. Top lots will feature a large, oval-footed Gorham sterling silver vegetable tureen with Kirk tray, monogrammed on the front (“G.L.C.”) and on the back with the date (1906), weighing 76.7 troy ounces, should command $5,000-$7,000; and a pair of Russian repousse silver cup holders, depicting a kneeling man playing his instrument, carrying the Cyrillic maker's mark for Mikhail Ovchinnikov (1885), are expected to reach $4,500-$6,500. 

For those unable to attend in person, internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Previews will be held on Friday, February 26th, from 10-5, and Saturday, February 27th, the date of sale, from 8 a.m. until the first gavel falls promptly at 11 a.m. See the website for terms and conditions, plus info on how to register to bid: www.FontainesAuction.com. 

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is the oldest operating auction gallery in Western Massachusetts. It has earned the trust of collectors, investors and gallery owners worldwide. All cataloged lots receive nationwide exposure to the firm’s database of more than 19,000 select buyers. Seven times Fontaine’s Auction Gallery has been voted “Best Antique Auction Gallery” by the public. 

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is actively seeking quality items, to include furniture, lighting, clocks and watches, paintings, porcelains, bronze and marble statuary, Asian items, art glass and cameo glass, Russian objects, silver, musical, coin-op, advertising, toys, banks, gaming and carousel items for future sales. Consignments are currently being accepted for all the upcoming auctions.