$20,000
Automaton Stull Pocket Watch. American, ca. 1885; Stull mechanics added 1986. An outstanding quarter repeating pocket watch of superb craftsmanship and quality, with an added Stull “mental miracle” feature. In performance, the mind reader makes a prediction. The performer then demonstrates that, in addition to the hour and minute hands, the Jacquemart blacksmith figures on his elegant pocket watch strike their anvils, and the watch chimes, to reflect the time. Next, the watch is handed to a gentleman, who confirms that the hands spin freely. The spectator closes the watch and spins the hands again, landing on a random time – a time even he does not know. Despite the “test conditions” under which the hands are spun, and despite the fact that the watch is in the hands of the spectator when rotated – the mind reader’s prediction is proven to be one hundred per cent accurate, as announced first by the chiming watch, then by the spectator’s opening it and viewing the face itself. The performer has predicted the exact time on which the hands stopped – before they were spun. The effect works without fail, and without the need of any outside mechanics, electronics, or confederacy, and can be repeated immediately and with different results virtually ad infinitum. The watch itself is an outstanding Victorian-era antique, which keeps time. It bears an engraved gilt silver dial with Roman numerals, hands of blued steel, and automaton figures crafted from rose gold. The figures strike an
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2015-12-05
