The face of the clock says "Davis Collamore and Co." It's in excellent condition and I think it works. It's been in may family for a long time. But I don't really know anything about it. I'd like to know what I have and what value it may have.
22" high, 11" wide, 6 1/2" deep.
Hi Grant,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Davis Collamore & Co. was a prestigious New York City firm, founded in 1842 by Davis Collamore. It specialized in importing and retailing high-end porcelain, glass, and silverware. The company became a notable rival to Tiffany & Co. and Black, Starr & Frost. It commissioned ceramics from renowned manufacturers like Copeland Spode, Thomas Minton & Sons, Haviland, Royal Worcester, and Villeroy & Boch—often featuring hand-painted details over transfer-printed outlines with rich gilding.
During the 1850s, Davis’s younger brother Gilman joined the business, and it took the name Davis Collamore & Co. Gilman later established his own branch under Gilman Collamore & Co., but the main company continued on Broadway and later upscale avenues.
The firm strategically moved its storefronts in response to New York’s uptown shift—holding locations at Broadway and 21st St, Fifth Avenue at 37th St, and eventually on Fifth Avenue near 52nd Street, also opening a branch in Newport, Rhode Island.
I can just make out - in the photo that shows the open back of the clock - an elongated oval mark that reads "MADE IN FRANCE," which means the works of this clock - and possibly the rest of it - were made in France and then it was sent to the US where a painted dial with the Davis Collamore & Co name was painted on.
Such "French" clocks were quite popular in the late 19th Century, when this clock was made; there were many makers - both French and in the UK and the US, that made them to satisfy the demand. The style is quite fancy and tastes for this style have changed; when they come up for sale at auction these days, they usually bring fair-market prices ranging from $300-$500 (note that dealers will likely ask a [much] higher retail price; auction prices are akin to wholesale...) where once they usually sold for closer to $1,000.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Louis XVI Style Marble and Gilded Bronze Pendulum Mantle Clock
French, retailed by Davis Collamore & Co, late 19th Century
8 Day movement, surmounted by a cast gilt bronze urn with swags, the circular white enamel dial with hand-painted floral swags and Arabic numeral chapter rings, surrounded by a laurel wreath, on a white marble base with oval top supported by six Ionic style columns with brass caps and bases, on an oval base. Face marked "DAVIS COLLAMORE & CO / 5TH Ave. & 37th St. NEW-YORK"
Height: 22 inches; width: 11 inches; depth: 6 1/2 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition and is reported to be working.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia