Posted 12 years ago
gmbensch
(1 item)
I purchased this art/ clock over 40 yrs ago for $3,700.00 and ot still works Great. Does any one know what it might be worth in todays market?
I cannot find it in any art or clock books.
French Schulptor was Ernest Rancoulet 1899, Clock by Fritz Marti
dated 1900
Beautiful clock!
$3,700 in 1972 would be the equivalent of just over $19,000 in 2010. Even though it is rare and beautifully done, I doubt that it will be worth that much in today's market. If you haven't already done so I would suggest that, in addition to this post on "Collectors Weekly", you seek out a professional appraisal. There are several websites which offer relatively low cost appraisals with expert opinions:
http://www.justanswer.com/
http://www.whatsitworthtoyou.com/
There are also several auction houses that specialize in clocks and watches and art.
Another collector here, Bellin68, has experience with Heritage Auctions. They bill themselves as the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. They provide free, conservative "auction" appraisals. http://www.ha.com/
Skinner in Massachusetts http://www.skinnerinc.com/index.php
Pook & Pook in Pennsylvania http://www.pookandpook.com/appraisals/index.php
R. O. Schmitt in New Hamshire http://www.roschmitt.com/
Even if you are not looking to sell it, one of their appraisers may be willing to offer his or her opinion.
Good luck and thanks for sharing your lovely clock with the Collector's Weekly community.
Thank you so very much for your kind words and encouragement.
I will follow up with your appraisal link right a way.
I was told by the clock maker who cleaned the clock in 1968 that my clock was listed in his rare clock book but I never found out the name of the bookwhere it was listed. for years I have enjoyed this fine Lady with out thought of selling her but I might now have to consider sharing her with the world.
Hi gmbensch,
I've been thinking about you and your clock since you posted it on Collectors Weekly. Even though "Marti" is a renowned French clock maker, I fear that you would be very disappointed with the clock market, but if you found a good art market, you might do much better at recovering your investment.
Your clock has been beautifully painted and extremely well cared for with delicate details. If you are eventually looking to find her another good home, you might try contacting an art auction house like Phillips de Pury of New York. http://phillipsdepury.com/auctions.aspx If they can't help you directly, perhaps they can direct you to the right place. I wish you good luck and when you're ready to part with her, I hope you can find a good, appreciative home for her.
Best regards,
Bruce99
to Bruce99 , Thank you again for you thoughtful comments. You are absolutely correct. This Ernest Rancoulet Sculpture IS the value of this piece of ART. It was designed and built by Rancoulet in Paris for the turn of the century and dated 1900. the Lady carries the first French flower, as is the Title of the piece.
There could have been as few as 80 of these crafted. Mine is #77. I have yet to have seen even a photo of another one. Thank you, you have made my day!
Thank you and you're VERY welcome! :)
Like almost every antique now the market has gone down about half price since 2007. During the 80's the prices were sky high. Nowadays you might have trouble getting much over a grand or so. The sculptor is a common gentleman who made nice pieces and made most of his work in Spelter, not bronze. His name is often found in a lot of clocks and sculptures that landed in America.