Antiques & Collecting: Watch holder sold for $875

There has always been a need to tell time, and early methods — sundials, hourglasses, water clocks or even large arrangements of stones and shadows — were not accurate.

The first mechanical clocks were invented in the 14th century, the pendulum clock in 1656, and by the 1700s there were many clocks in church towers that rang bells to tell citizens the time.

The small watch that could be carried by a person was developed after 1810. Then came pocket watches worn on a chain, and in 1868 the wristwatch was made. But there was still no affordable clock for home use.

An unknown person made the first watch holder in the early 1800s. The holder was a small decorative stand that held an available pocket watch on a table.

They were made of ceramics, metal, wood — anything that could be shaped into a stand with a large hole. Some were even made by famous artists and jewelers of bronze or gold, or by a company that made ceramic dishes or statues. Most were not signed.

The watch holder is often a “whatsit.” The hole in the middle is confusing to a 21st century person who tells time with a wristwatch or cellphone.

A Neal Auction in New Orleans sold an early 19th century watch holder of gilt bronze. It is shaped like a harp held by swans on a pedestal base. When the watch is inserted in the hole near the top, it creates a decorative “clock.” It sold for $875.

We have an iron doorstop from my grandfather’s house. It has five black and white puppies hanging on a log fence and is 8 inches high and 12 inches wide. We’d like to sell it, but don’t know what it’s worth. Can you help?

Cast iron doorstops were made beginning about 1890. They became popular around 1910 when several companies in the United States began making figural doorstops.

Vintage figural cast iron doorstops made from 1890 to the 1930s, and in good condition, usually sell for the highest prices. New designs and reproductions of old doorstops sold in gift shops, home decorating stores and online are worth less.

The doorstop you describe was made in China and is not old. It sells online for $30 to $60.

Current Prices

Cambridge glass, candy jar, lid, rose du barry, peach-blo, acid etched, silver leaf bands, knob, 6 inches, $115.

Hubley doorstop, cat, red, art deco, cast iron, c. 1925, 5 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches, $375.

Tiffany salt and pepper shakers, owl, silver, 2 1/2 inches, $920.

Hasselblad camera, 503CX, Zeiss lenses, branded carrying case, 10 x 13 inches, $1,970.

Tip: Look at the hinge on a tilt-top table. The wear should show on both the top and the base if it is old.