"Time is Money" Clock by Arthur Waagen

[burf1288]

I've had this clock for a bout 5 or 6 years now and I've always wondered about it's history, value, etc.  I was wondering if anyone could help me with any information about it.  I've searched the net for hours and can't find it anywhere.  There is a ribbon at the bottom of the clock that says, "Time is Money."  Also, on the side, behind her right shoulder there is the name Waagen.  The only Waagen I found that could have sculpted this is Arthur Waagen, but supposedly he dealt mostly with sculpting animals such as horses and dogs.  I was wondering if this was sculpted by him and around what date.  He died in 1910 so i am thinking late 1800s.  Also if anyone could estimate a value, and where the best place to sell something like this would be.  I would like to sell this piece soon and I was wondering if I should try ebay or a local auction.  Any help or info would be greatly appreciated! Thank You.  Pictures are attached.

Also, what is the best way to clean something like this?  It has little white specs all over it that make it look depreciated.

[railman44]

What is the clock case made of?  Appears to be bronze or possibly pot metal?  Does the clock work?  Does it have a pendulum?  I would advise not cleaning the exterior.  Patina is very important to a lot of collectors and if you use the wrong stuff cleaning it, you could damage that.  How tall in inches is it?  Does the movement have any writing on it?

[D&b antiques]

The white stuff is Pitting, DON'T TRY TO CLEAN IT. can we get a closer view of the clock face? Do you see any other foundry mark's?

[burf1288]

The clock is made out of bronze, the clock currently does not work but all the part are intact and i'm sure it is fixable.  Yes, there is a about a 2 and 1/2 inch pendulum inside body behind the clock.  It is 26 inches tall, 16 inches from shoulder to shoulder, and weighs 32.5 pounds.  The body of the woman (not sure who she is) is covered in coins, as well is her crown.

I don't see any other writing on the clock except the "Waagen" on the side, and I've looked everywhere.  The is a very small bit of writing inside the body on the back of the clock mechanism but the only thing I can make out is "JAPY FRERES."

[KC]

Okay, is it just me or does anyone else see a letter after Waagen....I am seeing a F or P that isn't inset into the piece like the name....


Anyway....look at the bronze pictures that A Waagen did that is for sale at Southebys now.....http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=159519505  They are figural...not animal!

http://www.thursdaysantiques.com/catigorys/bronze.html  Another one!

Problem is that the only Mark I have seen of AW isn't the same as yours.....but many are not displayed!

[burf1288]

Nah there's no letter after the Waagen.  It might just look that because of the angle. Here's another picture that a little clearer.

Also, I know that Waagen didn't stick strictly with animals I just know that animal work was his passion.  I've seen alot of his pieces that have nothing to do with animals at all. 

[D&b antiques]

Japy freres was a company in it's own right. and clock's were in there production line. it is and old clock face. look at four o'clock four roman numerals six o'clock position up side down etc. this is what you would expect to see.

It's French with condition problem's. Conseratively. $500.00 to $ 1,000.00 Dollars

[D&b antiques]

Zooming in on the Dial. the hour hand would date the clock. in the 1850's

[burf1288]

That is definitely alot older than I though it would be.  Thank you for your information D&b Antiques.  I just wish it was in better condition.

[D&b antiques]

Yes that pitting, is a big Ouch.

[railman44]

Please pardon my ignorance but what would pit bronze?  Is it the copper in the bronze makeup that is pitting?

[KC]

I know that this will be more than you bargained for....but lets get educated....as related from the "U.S. General Services Administration
Historic Preservation Technical Procedures"   here are the reasonings for problems with bronze: 
http://w3.gsa.gov/web/p/hptp.nsf/0/6c8c800d5618e023852565c50054b2c6?OpenDocument

Bronze is made up of copper.....
PROBLEM CORROSION
Active corrosion: If you notice the development of small spots of light green powder that grow rapidly, your bronze may be suffering from what is commonly called "bronze disease."  As mentioned, green surfaces are often seen but may not be cause for alarm if the corrosion layer is continuous and does not flake off easily.  Bright or "waxy" whitish green powder forming in small areas on the surface, or in cavities on the metal surface indicate advanced active corrosion.  If left untreated, this type of corrosion can cause a significant amount of damage to copper alloys, as it causes pitting of the surface and a continuous loss of metal. This condition is sometimes noticed when green powder falls from an undisturbed object.  It is caused by the presence of salts in the air, or by deposits left behind from inappropriate cleaning or handling and progresses when the air is humid.  High levels of ammonia pollution in the air will cause bluish deposits of corrosion.

[D&b antiques]

Thank's KC for that info.

[burf1288]

I believe the reason for all of the pitting and corrosion is due to it sitting in an attic for the better part of its life.  My grandparents said they found it in their attic back in the 50s and have had it ever since.  Due to the clock not working I believe they kept it in their attic up until the day they gave it to me around 5 years ago.  I've been trying to keep it in the best shape possible but I believe the damage done is already too great to put any effort into it.

Any idea what this would be worth in mint condition?

[D&b antiques]

$2,500.00 to $ 3,000.00 Dollars. may have even tipped the scales a bit more due to fact she is french. lot's of interest in french Antiques. I can imagine what KC is thinking he Appraise's here too.

Humidity change's can be staggering, in and attic if it's un heated.