Gearhart Circular
Sock Knitting Machine I remember walking past circular knitting machines like this Gearhart numerous
times 40 years ago while looking for early patented knitting and sewing
machines. They were cheap and nobody cared. Times change. Today, this style knitting machine is in such short supply and popular with today's users that new versions are being made of plastic and sold to users.
It is also true that today these vintage circular knitting machines have a large and loyal following and a lot of information, parts for, and instructions on use are available online.
This machine sat in a barn the last 70 or so years. I cleaned it up and it seems to work fine. The needle cylinder is round and in good shape. All needle slots are full and needles move freely. The cylinder turns full circles easily when clamped to a table and the crank is turned. All the needles go up and down.
Critters got to the original instructions. Copies are available for download online. There are numerous accessory pieces as shown in the pics but I have no idea if anything is missing. What you see in the pics is what you get.
What is here all looks to be in good working condition, but again I do not know if anything is missing. If there are questions ask.
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
SAC-KNIT
Good + . . . . . . $895.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
c. 1700
Pierre Fardoil Adding Machine & Watch / Time Piece
I am half owner of this rare and early Pierre Fardoil
Adder / Adding Machine and Fardoil Watch / Time piece, and in an attempt to
finalize the sale of this Fardoil adder with my partner I am going to offer
a full or partial interest in my 1/2 ownership in this rare 18th c. Fardoil
adder for a nominal sum to the right person or entity who can facilitate a sale
with my partner.
Here is the history of this piece---please read on.
The Fardoil adder is one of the earliest and rarest 18th century calculation devices known. The 2 pieces pictured are the very same Fardoil Adder / Adding Machine and Fardoil Pocket Watch that reached a sale price of approx. $70,000 at the Auction-Team Breker sale about 10 years ago. Here is a web address to that auction result and the original write-up that can be found online: www.liveauctioneers.com/item/36708195_the-adding-machine-of-pierre-fardoil-c-1700. The same two pieces are currently listed for sale on my partner's website for $70,000 or so.
This Fardoil adder is one of only two known, and this could be the only known example if it is the very same Fardoil adder that the French Musee des Arts et Metiers (CNAM), the French State Museum, and their representatives claimed was "lost", stolen, or otherwise disappeared from their collection when it was on display in the US during 1939 New York World's Fair.
At the Breker auction some 10 years ago the high bidder for this Fardoil Adder was Professor Korte from the University of Bonn, who was bidding to acquire it for the Arithmeum museum in Bonn, Germany. The high bidder backed out from finalizing the Breker auction sale due in part to the CNAM claim. The underbidder also backed away when it was subsequently offered to him.
The two Fardoil pieces were then returned to the consignors---myself and the other 1/2 owner, who is Peter Frei, an antique dealer based in Massachusetts. He is my ex-friend and current partner in the two pieces. He is currently in possession of both pieces.
Peter Frei and I had been partners in numerous endeavors involving technology-related antiques prior to having a falling out. Our friendship ended one day when Peter, in a fit of rage, over a situation concerning an antique sewing machine which I had paid for that we were 50 / 50 partners on, entered into an agreement with a 3rd party, offering him 50% to sell it---thus making me a 25% junior partner. Peter did that without consulting or discussing that decision with me. When I questioned his decision he got insulted and declared we were no longer friends and said our partnership was over. This was after we had already purchased the Fardoil Adder. There is more to this story that is irrelevant to this sale that does not need to be retold here.
But what should be told is the story of who first found the Fardoil adder---that would be me---and details surrounding that event, and the Breker auction. The Fardoil sellers, who lived in NY, contacted me and I made an appointment to go see it. They told me that the adder had been "found" in New York, and their now deceased family member had been a caretaker / custodian / groundskeeper / employee and "found" it where he worked. The family told me they had had it appraised at Sotheby's or Christies auction house for 5K, and I offered to purchase it from them the same amount in cash.
The family initially said no, but months later called me and said they were ready to sell the Fardoil. As I was back in CA by that time I called and enlisted Peter to go and get it. I offered him to be 50/50 partners on the Fardoil. He agreed and went and got it. We split the cost 50/50. He later bought the Fardoil watch and we split the cost of that as well.
For various reasons Peter handled consigning the Fardoil to Breker's Auction. The Breker auction failed after the French Musee des Arts et Metiers / CNAM cast doubt on the rightful ownership of the Fardoil and the Arithmeum backed out of the sale. After the auction failed to produce a sale we agreed to let Peter market the Fardoil to the under bidder or other parties. It was offered to the under bidder, but that too failed to produce a sale over the price. Later the CNAM made a relatively low offer, not to purchase it, but rather as compensation for us having found it and returning it. That offer was rejected. Peter made several other attempts to sell it but failed to find a buyer.
Then something akin to the storyline in Lord of the Rings began to unfold, and the "my precious" concept began to take hold, much like with Gollum and his precious ring in the Lord of the Rings story. Peter, despite saying he was ready to sell, and that he wanted to sell it, and acknowledging that I am his 50 /50 partner on it, could not bear to let the Fardoil go, and has refused to let it leave his hands.
The disclosure of these details is necessary because provenance / history of ownership of important historical pieces is vital to establishing and enhancing an objects value. In addition I want to insure there are no claims of non-disclosure or other problems down the road from the buyer of my 1/2 or partial interest.
The attempts for Peter and I to settle up on the Fardoil after the failed auction should also be told, again so that potential parties interested in buying into my 1/2 share are fully informed and can better formulate a plan to finalize the sale.
Over the next 10 years Peter offered several proposals to resolve the Fardoil situation between us---all in writing and documented---but then reneged on following through on every single one of them. For the record, let's review some of those past proposals:
Immediately after the auction Peter wrote that if the high bidder or under bidder would not pay the original sale price it had brought at auction he would simply buy us out for 1/2 of the high bid, as we both felt it had not reached its full potential because of the French interference. He never followed through on that proposal, later claiming it was just a negotiation tactic. Problem is he was not negotiating with anyone at the time.
Shortly after Peter ended our relationship he announced we would settle up over the Fardoil by having a private auction between us, with a third party holding the Fardoil until that process was complete. He reneged on that proposal soon after, claiming he did not have enough money.
Peter next demanded we wait and be patient, as the Fardoil was, in his words, "burned" by the French claims, and the failed auction.
In 2019, 5 years after the auction and after numerous requests, by us, to resolve the situation, Peter said to wait one more year to see if he could sell it from his new website. In writing he said that if it did not sell from his website at the end of the 1 year period we would send it to auction again. He proposed that, in writing, and then reneged on that solution with no explanation or excuse.
Peter next suggested we should name a price he could buy us out at, with the stipulation that he would need 6 months to gather the money. A proposal that was neither fair nor equitable, but in the interest of ending this ordeal we proposed selling our half interest to him for $18K---approx. 25% of the original sale price of $70K it had reached at the Breker auction, approx. half of what we would have been due had the auction succeeded---a reasonable offer by us to resolve this.
Peter rejected that offer outright saying he would never pay that amount, with no meaningful counter or discussion. That was over 2 years ago, much longer than the 6 months he said would be needed to raise funds to buy us out, once again reneging on a proposal he himself put forward.
Most recently in Dec of 2024 we suggested listing it for sale on our two websites, at a lower price, to give it more exposure and to further enhance its desirability and value. To do that we needed to discuss a price beforehand that we could both agree to. Peter declined, and instead wrote he alone would decide if he would agree to a lower price AFTER I found a buyer---a stupid and unworkable proposal not worth discussing further, and mentioned here only to illustrate the absurdity.
After all of that we have decided to take on a partner or sell our 1/2 interest in the Fardoil. Our hope is that a qualified and interested 3rd party with a new or different approach might be better able to deal with, or negotiate with, Peter better than I.
I am going to try to make this simple, reasonable, and enticing with a lot of potential upside for the right interested party. Here is my proposal. One option would be to purchase my 1/2 share ownership in it's entirety for some agreed to amount. That can be outright, or over time with the details to be worked out. Since that is probably over-optimistic given the situation, I do have a alternative idea to present.
The second option would be to purchase a portion of my 1/2 share for a small upfront investment. In other words with a reasonable buy-in I will agree to split the proceeds of the final sale of the Fardiol with my new partner for a very small initial investment. This would require a qualified and acceptable individual, or entity, with a plan or concept of a plan, and the ability, to force a sale of the Fardoil.
I am thinking the initial investment would be something on the order of $100 in return for the right to a minimum of 25% of the total sale price---50% of my share of any final sale. The potential return could be enormous. A reasonable expectation could be, using the Breker auction result of 70K, a payout amount somewhere in the $18K range for each of us.
If the Breker sale price had in fact been held down because of the French interference, the payout could be far more if the Fardoil was again sent to auction and brings more than the $70K it brought the first time it sold. Or some uber-wealthy party might pay even more in a private sale.
Or you may be able to get Peter to agree to sell his half-interest to you and gain full ownership.
Another possibility is the French may step up with a larger offer than they first offered. Or the French could enter into this partnership and make a claim of complete ownership in court. The French could end up being declared the sole owner at little further cost.
The possibilities are many, but in any event you are going to have to have the ability to make it happen in order to pry it out of Peter's hands. We can make a gentleman's agreement to reflect this, or I will sign an acceptable agreement drawn up by the new partner or their representative. I am very flexible and very willing to work with the right person or entity to resolve this and to get the Fardoil into more appropriate hands.
This proposal to form a partnership for an interest in our half interest of the Fardoil would be a great deal for the right person or entity who thinks they can negotiate with Peter Frei, or otherwise close the deal, or force a sale. Just think, a documented ownership in a rare, probably one-of-a-kind and unique piece of calculation history for a fraction of its potential value!
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
FARDOIL
Price . . . . . . $ TBD
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Thomas Edison's
Edison System Ampere Meter This Edison System ampere meter is a rare
and important piece of Electrical history. The condition of this large and
unusual Edison amp meter is exceptional. The scale reads up to 264 amps, off the scale, indicating this meter must have been
used with a huge dynamo or motor.This Edison meter measures approx. 10" across and 16" tall. The back of the case is cast iron. The etched glass face is flawless. The previous owner made a copy of the paper scale to cover the original scale to help preserve it. The original paper scale is behind the copy on the face in the pics. It is in nice condition.
The wooden case is original finish and in fine condition. The interior workings look like new. The wooden case is stamped in two places with Elec. Eng. Dept. L.S.J.U. which is Stanford University in Palo Alto CA.
A super nice and rare piece of American Electrical History that will display well and be a great addition to the old office, electrical, scientific or related collection! Nice!!
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
AMN-ED-METER
Fine . . . . . $3750.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
"Edison Machine Works Builders"
110 Volt 2.3 Amp Electric Dynamo / Generator
This c. 1880s Thomas Edison's
Dynamo is probably one of the finest original condition examples of this RARE and
desirable Edison Dynamo known. There are just minor losses to it's original
paint and it is in fine overall condition! All other aspects are in fine original condition including the windings, controls,
and switch. There are no
casting problems or cracks. A truly superb example!!Picture this rare piece of electrical history in the lobby of your corporate headquarters, or just inside the doors of the museum devoted to antique electrical devices you are creating. This rare and desirable piece deserves a special place to be admired and cherished for the importance it has in relation to the development and history of electrical power in America. To just call this early and rare Antique Edison Dynamo rare would be an understatement. Opportunity!!
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
AMN-ED-DYNO
Fine . . . . . $
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
D. Balerna Banjo Style Antique Barometer Nice condition.
The barometer tubes behind the door in the back are ok, but the
strings are not hanging correctly.
It stands a bit over 3' tall and is approx. 10" wide. The thermometer and humidity gauges seem to work.
Mercury will be removed prior to shipping unless picked up here in the
Monterey area.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
JF-BAROM-BAL
Good + . . . . . $200.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
19th
Century Banjo Style Antique Barometer / Thermometer / Humidity
Very nice condition. Still has mercury in the
barometer tubes behind the door in the back. I see no maker name or marks.
Most likely English or Scottish.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
JF-BAROM-NN
Good + . . . . . $150.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
J.
D. Adams Salesman Sample Road Grader This is the
real deal. It is very graphic and looks great. This engineering company hailed from Indianapolis IN. This
is a very complicated piece of machinery. I am not totally sure, but was told there are some missing pieces
/ springs to hold the lower grader portion at different angles. Look at all the pics to see all the different gear
boxes, adjusters, fittings and more that this has. This rare & desirable c. 1910 salesman's sample measures
approx. 10.25" H x 8.5" W x 22.5" L.
The operator would stand on the grate at the rear and have to control all the different wheels and levers as the grader was being pulled along. Nice!!
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
AH-ADAMS
Good . . . . . $7500.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Vintage
Whistler Swan Decoy Carved by Bob Gilmore This Whistler Swan
decoy is very elegant with a graceful head and neck, and wonderfully
delineated and painted feathers. It is titled, signed and dated 1990.
The decoy measures about
22 inches long.Bob Gilmore was a founding member of the California tool collector's club PAST and was an excellent craftsman as well. He passed approx. 20 years ago. I traded him a minty nice Stanley 55 plane for this back in the 1990s. A super nice piece!
Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
CFM-SWAN
Excellent . . . . . . $595.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Antique Merganser
Duck Decoy All of these
decoys are from my personal collection. I purchased this one at one of
the Mid-Week in Manchester New Hampshire antique shows many years ago.
I was told by Gary Guyette that it was carved by Marcel Dufour. It measures about 21 inches long and has great form and surface.Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
CFM-MERGAN
Very Good . . . . . . $895.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Antique
Bluebill Decoy One more decoy from my personal collection.
Looks to have been a real worker and and probably a good one with that
distinctive blue bill. Measures about 14 1/2
inches long. No marks that I can see.Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
CFM-BLUE
Good. . . . . . $195.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Jewel Stoves and Ranges
Detroit Stove Works
Cast Iron
Warming Shelf / Trivet
These make for nice wall hangers for the country kitchen look, or use it in
off grid situations. Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
JF-JEWEL-T
Good + . . . . . $32.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
"Slow Cooking Cover"
Cast Iron Cutout
Warming Shelf / Stove Trivet
These make for nice wall hangers for the country kitchen look, or use it in
off grid situations. Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic Click for Pic
JF-JEWEL-T
Good + . . . . . $37.50
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Vin-Max Model 3 Puff Iron w/ Hi / Low Temp Settings in Original Box
It looks to have seen little use and is in fine original condition. The receipt indicates it was bought new in 1988.
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
SC-PUFF
Fine. . . . . . 115.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
1885 Bryant Patent ANTIQUE Archimedean Egg Beater / Whip
This 1885 Bryant Patent Archimedean Egg Beater / Whip is marked Bryant's Pat. It is in fine working condition.
The wood handle / knob moves up and down correctly making the dashers spin. A hard to find early egg beater.
Clean and nice.
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
Click For Pic
SC-EGG
Fine. . . . . . 145.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
"Pittsburgh"
Miners Lunch Pail
This tin miners lunch pail is in great condition. It has a shelf and screw top
container for hot liquids. No rust dents or other damage. Marked
on the top PITTSBURG.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
JF-PAIL
Good +. . . . . . 65.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Weight Reduced Wood Shaft Putter Golf Club The
shaft is drilled with a series of holes drilled in a spiral up the hosel to reduce the overall weight on this unusual
wood shaft club that is simply marked Putter on the bottom. A
nice wood shaft golf club for the
collection, display or use.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
AMN-G-HOLE
Good . . . . . . $20.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Schoverling - Daly & Gales
Niblick 2 Ringer
Wood Shaft Golf Club
It is in good overall used condition. The back is marked with all the important info. A
nice wood shaft golf club for the collection, display or use.
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
Click for Pic
AMN-G-SCHOV
Good . . . . . . $20.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
We buy quality Antiques in this and other categories of Antiques.
To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold
and are always interested in buying please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages
at our sister website www.AntiqBuyer.com.