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Lot Number: 143
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Estimate Range: $1,600 - $2,400
Starting Bid: $800
Current Bidding Status
This Lot is CLOSED for Absentee Bidding.
"Topsy" Black Americana Blinking Eye Clock Manufactured by Bradley and Hubbard (B&H) in Meriden, Connecticut
19th-century "Topsy" blinking eye clock that is a highly collectible, figural cast iron clock, primarily manufactured by Bradley and Hubbard (B&H) around the 1880s, known for its distinctive feature where the eyes of the figure move with the clock's mechanism, Original Paint, Very Fine.

This Late 19th century "Topsy" blinking eye clock has a white dial with Roman numerals and hinged door. It measures 16" high x 9" wide x 6.5" deep, the primary manufacturer was the American firm Bradley and Hubbard Manufacturing Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. The clock is made of painted cast iron and features a figure of a highly expressive smiling young Black girl, depicted in her blue dress, holding the top of the clock, wearing red shoes, a white top, and a fancy colorful hat on her head. Based on a character inspired by the Anti-Slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The clock mechanism causes the figure's eyes to blink or rock back and forth, not tested. Overall, in original condition consistent with age to the paint, apparently needing a cleaning or some conservation as shown. Rare, and highly sought after by collectors of Black Americana and antique clocks.
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Lot Number: 143
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Estimate Range: $1,600 - $2,400
Starting Bid: $800
Early American History Auctions, Inc.
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