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The Yale Wonder Clock

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:23,000.00 USD Estimated At:45,000.00 - 65,000.00 USD
The Yale Wonder Clock
The Yale Wonder Clock, made in Burlington Vermont at the turn of the 20th century, is a coin operated mechanical marvel with its roulette type dial, spinning pointer, flashing lights, 15 1/2 " Regina music box , and token system which rewarded a lucky patron with merchandise from the store where the machine was displayed.
This specimen, serial number 123 , is the earliest known example of the handful still know to exist. It was discovered in a Vermont barn in the late 1960's less than 10 miles from the site of its original manufacture and remained in its discoverer's collection for the next 4 decades.
Although the machine was refreshed in the late 1990's it exhibits a remarkable degree of originality including its original flashing light bulbs, [which still retain traces of their original paint],most of its original wiring, its original manufacturing tag with serial number, the original paper numbers on the prize spools, and its original Regina music box movement [serial number 52161]which Regina records show was shipped to Burlington Vermont.
The chain driven advertising mechanism in the machine is set to receive advertising display cards of your choice.
The sign marquee at the top of the machine was reproduced from the original patent drawings for this machine and the reverse painted marquee glass was crafted by noted carousel restorer Rosa Regan. The roulette wheel glass is an exact replica of the original damaged glass. [The broken original was was kept and will convey to the purchaser] The 2 small glass panels to the right and left of the music box were replaced but parts of the damaged original glass were kept and are available to the purchaser if desired. The frosted reverse painted glass on the left side of the machine by the token cup is original.
The machine retains a very presentable older refinished oak surface and some of the interior softwood panels have been painted a tasteful deep burnt red color.
The opportunity to own one of these rarely comes along.