$7,995
Rare Miniature Mahogany Patent Timepiece by John Polsey, Boston, c. 1840, 5-in. painted iron dial with Roman numerals and signed J. Polsey, Boston , half-round mahogany frames enclosing reverse-painted tablets, the lower with American eagle and shield, 3-in. tall brass time-only, weight-powered movement with 14-in. iron rod, brass bob pendulum, and lead weight, ht. 21 1/2 in. Note: According to Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Timepieces , p. 298, John Polsey (1816-1873) was probably apprenticed to Aaron Willard Jr. about the same time as Edward Howard and David P. Davis. 1852-1856 Boston directories list Polsey as the superintendent of the Howard and Davis balance manufactory. In 1858-59, he was in partnership with David P. Davis, and by the mid-1860s he was involved with Aaron L. Dennison and B.D. Bingham in the Tremont Watch Company. No significant repairs or restoration, original gilded finial, weight, pendulum, key, dial undisturbed, glasses with very minor stabilization.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-12-01
