Antique Sonora Chime Company Clock

Price Type: auction
Sold Date: 4/26/2003
Pre-Sale Estimate: (subscribers only)
Sold For: (subscribers only)

Catalog Description:

C.1907, Sonora Chime Co., 5 Cedar St, NY, 8-Bell Whittington and Westminster chime clock, refinished, but otherwise in good original condition. This is a style "6" Sonora Chime Clock, as indicated in their printed catalog; this clock retailed for 100 dollars when new. William Hoschke of New York, New York applied for his patent on this design on April 16, 1907, and the patent was granted on April 18, 1908. Seth Thomas purchased the rights to Hoschke's Patent, around 1912, changed the movements to suit their own manufacturing techniques, cut the price substantially, and successfully marketed a full line of Sonoras with a couple of dozen models (next lot is an example). The unique sound of all Sonoras comes from the wooden echo chamber that the bells are mounted in. But the amazing part of this clock is that Hoschke had experience with music boxes, as the heavy layout, large fly governor and tremendous mainspring are all similar to disc music box motors of the time. Even the winding crank at the side of the case is like that of a music box. The well made case has mahogany veneer, shell inlay and reeded quarter columns with brass capitals; with brass "Sonora Chimes Patents Pending" plaques on both case and on the echo box. A heavy clock; special packing recommended. A rare item for the collector who wants to exhibit the entire Sonora story. Height 16.5 inches

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