227.            $100

Waterbury Clock Co. “Drop Octagon, Gilt” REPRODUCTION 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.  Kramer Service Co. of Elkader, IA would modify standard movements from various makers and then replace the dial with one of their mirror-image paper dials.  I listed this last January as an authentic barbershop clock, but Zach Butz, upon inspection,  informed me that the movement was a modern replacement made in India; the dial was painted to resemble a Kramer dial.  So, we will call this a reproduction barbershop clock.  The 21-inch Waterbury case is veneered in rosewood with an old finish, somewhat dull, and gilded molding around the inside edges.  Both glasses are period, the repainted dial is uneven, 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-ticks!  As noted, the 8-day, time-only movement is a modern replacement and 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.  $100–$250.