Hi Anthony,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Large "blind" dials such as these, that were never intended to work, were often made as decorative architectural elements, and they were particularly popular in the Victorian era. Some smaller / lighter ones could also have been trade signs for clockmakers (in times when a significant part of the population might not have been able to read, trade symbols such as this would have been useful in advertising a shop-owner's profession (books for booksellers or printers, needle and thread for tailors, hats for hatters, etc).

The photo of the back is quite useful and suggests a date of manufacture in the early to mid 20th Century.

While the distressed look of the surface might turn some potential buyers off, those in the know will find this appealing and it signifies that this has been exposed to the elements for some time.

I can't find an exact match to this but similarly large architectural "blind" dials such as this have sold at auction recently for between $1,500 and $2,500. Note that private sellers might ask higher prices for ones they are selling (and if you are looking to sell this I would ask at least $3,500 so as not to risk underselling it).

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique or vintage blind dial architectural element
American or European, early 20th Century
wood and riveted iron
48 inches diameter
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired in a garage or yard sale
$ 1,500-2,500*
*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