June 24, 2007, 05:35
Peter BlunsdonAirplane Clock at Auction
You military guys might be interested in the Hamilton Airplane clock up for auction at Bonhams 3 July in London. Lot 387
http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.rPeter
uk
June 24, 2007, 05:40
Peter BlunsdonSorry the web site will not accept the above link.
Start at:
http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicS...nt=EUR&screen=Fsalesand navigate thru 'Sales 3 July' to Lot387
Peter
June 25, 2007, 09:57
Jim HesterThanks, Peter.
This is the model 37500 aircraft clock. They were made by both Hamilton and Elgin both during WW II and for years afterwards. They are seen with either all white dial markings or green and white ones as seen on this one at the Bonham's auction.
Prices for them depend largely on their condition and for some reason the Bonham's auction fails to note the condition of the one they are selling. They have complicated movements and can be costly to put into working order if they are not found that way or if one does not possess advanced watchmaker skills and tools to work on these. Given their complexity I think the going prices for them is on the low side especially when you consider what less complicated ships' chronometers tend to go for these days, but the estimate in the Bonham's auction looks to be about right if it is in excellent running condition and if the markings on the back of the case are in good readable condition. These come up for sale regularly on Ebay. There is also a technical manual for them that was reprinted by the U.S. military repeatedly over the years since these clocks were kept in service and recycled for many decades. You can often find versions this manual, which includes parts lists and service instructions, on Ebay without difficulty as well.
June 26, 2007, 03:35
Peter BlunsdonThanks Jim,
They do note major discrepancies, and will research and provide history when they can add value.
You can get a condition report from James Stratton.
Peter
July 03, 2007, 17:31
Peter BlunsdonThe clock went for £160 = $320 + buyers premium
(I think) of 15%
Peter