The Charles Terwilliger Silent Auctions
The Silent Auctions of Charles Terwilliger ran from as early as 1964 until the last, the 27th in August 1987. The early auctions (1-8) were reportedly printed on a singly 22 x 17 inch sheet of paper. By the 9th silent auction, full catalogues of the clocks for auction were available for sale. Bidding on the lots was “open only to member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.”
Terwilliger devoted much time and effort to the Silent Auctions. According to Robert Terwilliger, Charles’ son, the auctions “were not only a source of income but also real source of enjoyment for him.”
Many of the clocks were stored in the Terwilliger family home and son Robert would help with the organization and writing of descriptions as well as the repair of some of the clocks.
The Catalogues contained rules regarding the auction and a call to consider offering your clocks for auction (see the pdf file for details from the 15th auction).
The Silent Auction catalogues remain a treasure of horological information to this day. Not only it is very interesting by itself, the historical information including long forgotten clock details can be discovered.
These catalogues can still be found online for sale and getting one or two is highly recommended to the horlogist or collector of any type of clock.
Documents
Eighteenth Silent Auction Terms of Sale (pdf file 535KB).
Prices paid – Fourteenth Silent Auction (pdf file 158KB)
HeroesofHorology.com 