Meeker's
Mechanical
Nature Antiques
Larry and Carole
Meeker

Purveyors of Americana
Patented & Mechanical Antiques
www.Patented-Antiques.com

patentedantiques@gmail.com
Orders / Inquiries / Questions

530-748-7297
(ORDERS ONLY)

Antique & Vintage
General Line / Country / General Store / Advertising


Gearhart Circular Knitting MachineGearhart 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.

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SAC-KNIT

Good + . . . . . . $895.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com




Pierre Fardoil Adding Machine c. 1700 c. 1700 Pierre Fardoil Adding Machine & Watch / Time Piece I am half owner of this Rare 18th Century early Pierre Fardoil Adder / Adding Machine and Fardoil Watch / Time Piece. I am offering for sale my entire 1/2 ownership in this rare 18th c. Fardoil adder or a portion of it as a partnership.

Here is the history of this rare piece of calculation history --- 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 sold for approx. $74,000 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 $74,000 or so.

This Fardoil adder was bought in upstate NY prior to the Breker auction from a private party. This Fardoil adder is one of only two known, and could be the only example if it is the same one that the French Musee des Arts et Metiers (CNAM), the French State Museum, has expressed an ownership right to. CNMA claimed their Fardoil adder 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 the high bidder for the Fardoil Adder was Professor Korte from the University of Bonn. He 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.

The two Fardoil pieces were then returned to the consignors---myself and the other 1/2 owner, 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 technology-related antiques prior to having a falling out. Our friendship ended one day over a situation concerning an antique sewing machine I had paid for that we were 50 / 50 partners on. Peter entered into an agreement with a 3rd party offering him 50% to sell it without consulting or discussing that decision with me.

His deal with a 3rd party made me a 25% junior partner. When I questioned his decision, Peter in a fit of faux rage declared we were no longer friends and that our partnership was over. There is more to this story that is irrelevant to this sale and does not need to be retold here.

What should be told is the story of who first found the adder---that would be me---and details surrounding that event.

The sellers of the Fardoil lived in upstate NY. They contacted me first and I made an appointment to go see it. They told me that the adder had been "found" in New York, and the now deceased "finder" had been a caretaker / custodian / groundskeeper / employee when he "found" it. The family told me they had had it appraised at Sotheby's or Christies auction house for approx. 5K. I offered to purchase it, from them, for 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 Peter and enlisted him 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 Peter attempted to market the Fardoil to the under bidder and other parties including offering it to the under bidder. Those attempts failed. Later the CNAM made a relatively low offer, not to purchase the Fardoil, but rather as compensation for us having found it and returning it. That offer was rejected.

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 "my precious" in the Lord of the Rings story, Peter, despite saying he was ready to sell, and that he wanted to sell the Fardoil, could not bear to let it go, or have 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 a buyer of my 1/2 share or a new partner of a 50% share of my half share.

The attempts after the failed auction for Peter and I to settle up on the Fardoil should also be told so that potential parties interested in buying into a 1/2 share are fully informed and can better formulate a plan to finalize / force the sale with Peter.

After the failed auction and 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 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. Despite the fact he was not negotiating with anyone at the time.

Shortly after Peter ended our friendship, and after the auction, 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 shortly 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, their 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 $74K it had reached at the Breker auction. $18K equated to approx. half of what we were 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 further 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 sell our 1/2 share, or take on a new partner for our 1/2 share / half interest in the Fardoil. Our hope is that a qualified and interested 3rd party with a new or different approach or plan 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 are my proposals. One option would be to purchase my 1/2 share ownership in it's entirety for $18K or some agreed to amount. Since that is unlikely to happen given the situation, I have a better alternative idea to present.

A second option would be for a qualified and acceptable individual, or entity to purchase a half share of my 1/2 share for a small upfront investment. In other words I will agree to split my 1/2 share proceeds of the final sale of the Fardiol with my new partner for a very small initial investment if presented with a workable plan that resolves this situation.

I am thinking the initial investment would be something on the order of 1K in return for the right to 25% of the total sale price---50% of my share of any final sale, after the sale is complete. A reasonable expectation would be, using the Breker auction result of 74K, a payout amount somewhere in the 18K range for each of us. We can make a gentleman's agreement to reflect this, or I will sign an acceptable legal agreement drawn up by the new partner, his lawyer or other represenative.

If the Breker sale price had been held down because of the French interference, the payout could be more if the Fardoil was again sent to auction and brings more than the 74K it brought the first time it sold. Or some uber wealthy party my new partner knows of pay even more in a private sale.

Another possibility is the French can step up with a new more reasonable offer. If the French were to enter into this partnership and then take their claim of full ownership to court, they could end up being declared the sole owner at little further cost.

This proposal for a half interest in 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!

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FARDOIL

Price . . . . . . $ TBD

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Thomas Edison's Edison System Ampere Meter 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!!

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AMN-ED-METER

Fine . . . . . $3750.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com






Edison Machine Works Builders Electric Dynamo / Generator"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!!

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AMN-ED-DYNO

Fine . . . . . $

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com






D. Balerna Banjo Style Antique BarometerD. 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.

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JF-BAROM-BAL

Good + . . . . . $200.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





19th Century Banjo Style Antique Barometer / Thermometer / Humidity19th 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.

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JF-BAROM-NN

Good + . . . . . $150.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com






Adams Salesman Sample Road GraderJ. 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!!

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AH-ADAMS

Good  . . . . .  $7500.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com




Vintage Whistler Swan Carved by Bob GilmoreVintage 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!

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CFM-SWAN

Excellent . . . . . . $595.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com





Antique Merganser DecoyAntique 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.

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CFM-MERGAN

Very Good . . . . . . $895.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com






Antique Bluebill DecoyAntique 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.

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CFM-BLUE

Good. . . . . . $195.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com





Jewel Stoves and Ranges Detroit Stove Works Cast Iron Warming Shelf / TrivetJewel 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. 

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JF-JEWEL-T

Good + . . . . . $32.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com






"Slow Cooking Cover" Cast Iron Cutout Warming Shelf / Stove Trivet"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. 

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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 BoxVin-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.

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SC-PUFF

Fine. . . . . . 115.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





1885 Bryant Patent ANTIQUE Archimedean Egg Beater / Whip1885 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.

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SC-EGG

Fine. . . . . . 145.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





"Pittsburgh" Miners Lunch Pail"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.

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JF-PAIL

Good +. . . . . . 65.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Arvin 532 Globe Catalin RadioArvin 532 Globe Catalin Radio The Arvin Globe 532 is a midget butterscotch - tortoise-shell catalin radio. The case is damage free with no cracks or chips. The grille looks good. The dial does not move, and the paper face is cracked. The knobs are a different color than others I have seen. I do not know if they are correct or not. Nothing happens when plugged in and the knob clicks on. Priced accordingly.

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SR-RADIO

Good  . . . . . . $495.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Meerschaum Lattice Pipe (unfired)Meerschaum Lattice Pipe (unfired) I see no maker info. It is unfired and in fine condition.

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SR-PIPE

Fine . . . . . . $55.00

To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com





Weight Reduced Wood Shaft Putter Golf ClubWeight 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. 

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AMN-G-HOLE

Good  . . . . . . $20.00

To Order Email:  patentedantiques@gmail.com





Schoverling - Daly & Gales Niblick 2 Ringer Wood Shaft Golf ClubSchoverling - 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.

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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.