Premier Auction - Session II - November 18, 2023 | Lot 1008-1473
Sat, Nov 18, 2023 09:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 1406
Rare and Important Charleston Bracket Clock
Estimate: $18,000 - $24,000
Sold for
$30,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
18th century, the painted dial marked "Wm. Lee/CharlesTown" with Roman numerals, set in mahogany case with pierced fretwork atop fabric backing, hinged brass handle over arched top, all over four claw feet, hinged glass doors opening to works and dial, with pendulum and key, 17 x 11-1/2 x 6-1/2 in.
Provenance: Property from Historic Dean Hall Plantation, South Carolina
Note: According to Mesda's research, "William Lee, whose name is engraved on the clock's dial, was typical of the merchants who imported, sold, and serviced clocks. William Lee completed his apprenticeship in Charleston to Joshua Lockwood and began advertising in the Charleston newspapers in 1768. In the early 1770s his former master recommended him to the vestry at St. Michael's Church as "a journeyman very capable of taking care of the clock" while he (Lockwood) was abroad in England. The vestry was apparently very satisfied with Lee, giving him the position permanently, as well as £20 more per year than they had been paying Lockwood.
In 1769 "William Lee, Clock and Watch-maker" married "Miss Anne Theus, Daughter of Mr. Jeremiah Theus." Anne's portrait, by her father, is in the MESDA collection (acc. 1179). William Lee died in 1804 leaving a sizeable estate worth more than $2,000.
The movement has not been tested for accuracy and Brunk Auctions makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever regarding that any clock or watch is in working order.
Condition
some flaking and loss to painted dial, solder repair to hinge on front door, panel with handle on top slightly loose, small crack to fretwork decoration in lower left on front
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Property from Historic Dean Hall Plantation, South Carolina
