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AEDExceptional Baltimore Federal Bracket Clock by a Female Maker
About Seller
117 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
United States
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has been conducting sales of fine and decorative arts for over 30 years. Auctions are held in our North Carolina sale room but attracts a global audience. Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, the auctions became well known for their integrity and profes...Read more
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About Auction
LiveSep 23, 2026
Important Maurice Prendergast watercolor, paintings by Kahn, Jacobsen, Redmond, Marin, Glackens and Koch; several Catesby bird prints; a Joseph Proctor folk art still life and a Fraktur collection; a Soap Hollow blanket chest, clocks by Samuel Mulliken and Anna Atkinson, the Kittredge Family high chest, a Dunlap family high chest, Hall Family chest on chest, Nathan Lombard sideboard, Seymour work table; a MESDA documented Petersburg VA Secretary and important VA paint decorated blanket chest. First editions including Mark Twain and a narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, and firearms. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com
View Full Catalog (328)
- Lot Description
circa 1796-1815, thought to be the earliest American clock by a female maker, the silvered dial signed "Anna Atkinson, Baltimore", arched mahogany case with reeded molding typical of the Baltimore style, glazed sides set with pierced brass appliques, brass works with engraved backplate, brass carrying handle and ball feet, poplar secondary wood, 17-1/4 x 10-1/4 x 6-1/2 in.
Provenance: A New Jersey Collection; G.K.S. Bush Antiques; Millie McGehee; Private Collection purchased 1997 (accompanied by copy of write up)
Note: This remarkable clock represents one of the earliest examples of a signed object by a female craftsman in Federal America. Anna Maria Leroy Atkinson (d.1823) is recorded as a clockmaker in Baltimore from 1796-1817, both in directories of that city and in newspapers. James W. Gibbs, Dixie Clockmakers records that she was born to Abraham Leroy, a Swiss watch and clock maker living in Lancaster Pennsylvania, and that she learned her trade from him. He tended the courthouse clock in Lancaster from 1757-1765, and she built a tall case clock in that city but put her husband's name on the dial. She was left in charge of her father's Lancaster shop while he was traveling in 1750. She married Wilmer Atkinson of Baltimore, and Matthew and William, clockmakers of that city, were presumably her sons. Diston and Bishop in The American Clock p. 284 and Brooks Palmer, The Book of American Clocks, p. 139, list other biographical notes.
This clock, as well as the maker, are recorded in the MESDA object and craftsman files. See photo NN-1029.
While the majority of early bracket clocks that bear the names of American makers are actually imported clocks that were retailed by those makers, notes on the invoice from Millie McGehee indicate that both the works and case of this clock are of American manufacture.
- Provenance
A New Jersey Collection; G.K.S. Bush Antiques; Millie McGehee; Private Collection purchased 1997 (accompanied by copy of write up)
- Shipping Info
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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
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- Condition
excellent condition and in good working order a the time of cataloging (keeps good time)； front door glazing with small chip at corner (piece present), lacking small interior door catch, only very minor veneer flaws Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
