The contents of numerous safety deposit boxes, filled with treasures accumulated over the course of a lifetime by a single-family estate, will be sold on, by Tim's, Inc early next month. The auction will be conducted at the Tim's, Inc. gallery, in Bristol, Connecticut.
Offered will be a veritable trove of gold and silver coins (to include over 100 US silver dollars), over 200 diamond rings, nearly 100 pocket watches, Rolex and chronograph watches, gold jewelry, a collection of vintage clocks, and rare and unusual items such as a carved Black Forest whistler made from German Black Forest wood, with moving head.
Collectors will have to be on the lookout, but there are a number of investment-grade pieces on offer, especially amongst the coins.
"This is without a doubt the largest single-family estate auction of these categories in our area in a long time," said Tim Chapulis of Tim's, Inc. "The family has entrusted to us all of their heirlooms, gathered over generations, and now we are proud to offer them to the buying public. Plus the timing couldn't be better, with the holidays here. These items would make great gifts."
The gold and silver coins are expected to draw intense bidder interest, with the price of precious metals against the dollar going sky-high. Between 100 and 150 US silver dollars will cross the block, including three complete rolls from the 1880s.
They are in brilliant uncirculated condition. Over 30 solid gold coins will also be sold, from several countries (to include Russia, Mexico and the US). Some are set in ornate 14kt gold holders. Others are surrounded by stones.
A nice collection of around 100 pocket watches will also come under the gavel. Some are cased in 18kt gold, to include a large-size Howard example, plus other Howards.
Additional 18kt gold pocket watches will also be auctioned that day. Collectors of railroadiana will be excited by the selection of 21 and 23 jewelled movement railroad watches and other fine railroad watches.
Wristwatches will feature two 18kt gold chronometers and two gorgeous Rolex watches (one 18kt gold, with date and time, and one Submariner, both complete with original boxes and certificates). Also destined to slip on a new wrist is a beautiful lady's platinum Art Nouveau wristwatch with diamonds, platinum and sapphires, plus many other 14kt and 18kt gold watches.
The over 200 diamond rings will leave bidders dizzy with options, and some of these beauties will actually be offered in multiple lots. Many are in gorgeous settings; others boast multiple diamonds on one ring. One ring, appraised at over $16,000, has a stunning 1.17 carat total weight diamond. Obviously, it would make an outstanding present on Christmas morning.
Other jewelry items include multiple diamond necklaces and bracelets, heavy pendants and pins, and other fine pieces, many with mixed stones. Also sold will be some rare and unusual gold medals (to include one presented by the Winchester Firearms Company, 14kt gold, for service to the company from 1891-1916), coin proof sets and commemorative coins, some still in the original boxes.
The vintage clocks will feature examples by Seth Thomas, one of the iconic names in clockmaking since the company's inception in the early 1800s. Examples include a weight-driven, double-dial, peanut-shaped wall clock in a walnut case (the early, desirable Plymouth Hollow version) and a nice #2 oak, weight-driven wall regulator with a trapezoid movement.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was a longtime Connecticut-based maker of long case, mantel, shelf, wall and table-top clocks. The firm was based in Plymouth Hollow, which changed its name to Thomaston in 1875 in Seth Thomas' memory. The clock at Grand Central Station in New York City and the clock in the Western movie High Noon were both made by Seth Thomas.
Additional clocks to be sold include a rare and collectible French statue swinging arm clock; a three-piece rose and black marble and bronze clock set with French movement; and French wall clocks with ornate cases and faces and enamel dials. "There will also be many, many surprises at this auction," Mr. Chapulis said, "over 500 lots in all. People, mark your calendars."
Admittance to the auction and preview will be in the form of a suggested $5 donation for St. Jude Children's Hospital, in memory of Peter W. Chapulis, Tim's late father. The auction takes place on Saturday, December 4. Alternatively, there are several collectible coins available outside the sale right now.
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