247. $250
Waterbury Clock Co. “Drop Octagon, Gilt” barbershop clock, ca.
1891. No, your eyes are fine and I did not accidentally invert this picture. This is a barbershop clock made
to be viewed in a mirror while you sit in the chair getting trimmed. The modification was done by the Kramer Service Co.
of Elkader, IA to a Waterbury Drop Octagon, 10-inch dial. The 21-inch case is veneered in rosewood with an old finish, somewhat
dull, and gilded molding around the inside edges. Both glasses are period, the matt paper dial is darkened but easily legible,
with the Kramer logo. Interestingly, the writing is not inverted, whereas the numbers and even the Waterbury name at the very
bottom are mirror images. The hands may be replacements and yes, they run backwards (counterclockwise). In fact, the clock
does not tick-tock – it tock-ticksJ. The 8-day, time-only movement was made by Kramer but it is not signed. It is running
without issue. There is a black and gold Waterbury label inside and part of a label on the back. AAC sold a Kramer barbershop
clock in 2022 for $1100. They are not common and prices are highly variable. $250–$1000.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025