The Best Sale Ever
Lot 185:
Description
Keywords: NO RESERVE, master clock, secondary clocks, subsidiary clocks, timekeeping system, industrial time equipment, office time system, synchronizing clock, school clock system, factory clock system, Endicott New York, corporate history, industrial history, horology, wood case clock, round metal clock, junction box, wiring schematic
Summary:
“Heritage IBM” office building timekeeping system lot, centered around an IBM electronic primary office clock in an art deco hardwood case with accompanying original documentation, junction box, and four subsidiary synchronizing clocks. This includes three square subsidiary synchronizing hardwood clocks original to the primary clock made by International Time & Recording Co. (ITR), IBM’s predecessor name when based in Endicott, New York. The fourth is a later-generation round metal IBM subsidiary synchronizing clock designed to operate with the earlier generation primary clock. Also included is the rectangular hardwood and glass panel junction box that accompanied the original office building installation.
Because these systems supported timekeeping functionality for hourly workers, the primary clock case and junction box were fitted with three different locksets so that time adjustments could only be made securely when two separately authorized people accessed the mechanism together—an early form of “system security.” Two uniquely cut keys for the primary clock are included. The lot retains original IBM Time Equipment material, service and maintenance paperwork, wiring schematics, and related records associated with installation and system operation.
Also included are rare vintage / antique IBM “THINK” mini notepads / notepad casings said to be from the 1939 World’s Fair. According to the consignor, these came from the Endicott, New York office building / clinic of Dr. Robert R. McCormick, born in Arnprior, Ontario, and Nurse Marguerite Marie Trainor-McCormick, born in Huntsville, Ontario, who attended the Queens, NY 1939 Fair with A. Winnifred Trainor of Huntsville, Ontario as guests of the Watsons. They were friends with Thomas J. Watson, Sr. and Thomas J. Watson, Jr. through their relationship with Henry B. Endicott and George F. Johnson, with Dr. McCormick serving as a chief medical officer for the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company as well as Dr. McCormick’s public role as a WWII regional draft medical review officer.
The primary clock, which last functioned in March 2024, is housed in a wood case with a large dial and exposed lower mechanism, while the subsidiary clocks include both wood-cased examples bearing International Time Recording Co. markings and a later generation, compatible round metal IBM clock. The included junction panel box, IBM “THINK” notepads, and associated documents help preserve the functional and historical context of the installation, making this a substantial and unusually complete surviving group for collectors of IBM history.
Endicott-Johnson, once the world’s largest manufacturer of footwear, was based in New York’s Southern Tier, including Binghamton, Johnson City, and Endicott, from the late 19th century until 1995. The firm was famous for its “Square Deal” policy, providing extensive worker benefits, including housing, medical care, and access to 19 recreational facilities. As such, the present lot reflects not only early ITR and IBM industrial timekeeping technology, but also the broader history of workplace systems, labor management, and corporate life in Endicott and the Southern Tier.
Note that the electromagnetic impulsed pendulum, which ensures consistent oscillation and therefore timekeeping, is visible at an angle in the primary clock photograph due to being removed for safe storage, movement, and transport.
Measurement: Clock 1: 16 x 16 in. (40.6 x 40.6 cm.), Clock 2: 15 x 15 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm.), Clock 3: 15 x 15 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm.), Clock 4: 19 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. (49.5 x 49.5 cm.), Clock 5: 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (41.9 x 41.9 cm.), Clock 6: 63 1/4 x 18 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (160.7 x 47.6 x 19.7 cm.), Empty Case: 25 x 14 in. (63.5 x 35.6 cm.)
Condition: All descriptions and statements are our opinions and are not guarantees. Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, to examine items in person prior to bidding. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale.
All items are sold as is and may show signs of age, use, wear, or prior restoration. Photographs form an integral part of each lot’s description. The absence of a condition report or notation does not imply that an item is free from defects or in perfect condition.
Clocks and watches are not guaranteed to be in working order. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be professionally rewired prior to use.
Unless explicitly stated, items do not include certificates of authenticity, provenance documentation, or other supporting materials.
As with other galleries reselling works, we are not authorized to issue Certificates of Authenticity. Such certificates may only be issued by artists, makers, or galleries representing and selling works directly from the artist or estate, when authorized to do so. Due to liability considerations, many artist foundations and estates no longer provide authentication services.
Accordingly, all works are offered and sold as is and as attributed to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect our best professional judgment and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered. Attributions remain open to future scholarly research or professional evaluation that may further establish a work’s art-historical or market significance.
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