Please help clear the confusion! Howard Miller Clock #557 - Nelson/Umanoff and Value?
Hey everyone!
Recently my mother found one of these in wonderful condition at a local antique shop for $80. Before finding out about this forum and Barry's photos of a #557, I saw this from a 1stDibs seller named Glo and it's the only thing I had found up to this point. Here's the listing:
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=295470
The clock we've acquired matches exactly except for the "Meridian" name on the face. It apparently has been worn off. Strangely enough, I've seen one other clock like this and it had "Howard Miller" signed on the face. Confusing!...Why different names on the faces?
So, how reputable is this price and the information from Glo on 1stDibs? This seems very legitimate and a dealer who knows the origins of this piece. From what I've gathered from here...it seems this clock isn't from Nelson but perhaps Umanoff. Also price - over $1,000? What do you all think? I haven't seen this clock too often (just 3 times until I saw Barry's red and blue ones).
Who has the final say on this thing? Please chime in. I can't find any more information and right now it sems like Glo from 1stDibs would know more than anyone. They say Nelson too??...
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=295470 
<img class="wpforo-default-image-attachment wpforoimg" src=" http://old.designaddict.com/sites/default/files/forum/IMG_3187. 
I have the same clock with a red interior
It's definately Arthur Umanoff. As far as the value, I'm not sure, but I don't think it's particularly rare (it sold for $80.00 at the time). I also have a similar wall pendulium clock with the top and bottom coming to a point (a different shape, see below)
Howard Mill #557
Thanks Barry. Things never just seem too add up. I'd love to know for sure though. Why isn't is listed in any catalog or guide?
Did you go to that link at 1stdibs? I assume you're saying that they are not to be trusted? I would of almost bet they were a good barometer.
I hope someone else chimes in just to keep the discussion alive. These coffin/shadowbox clocks seem to be some interesting transitional stuff.
Chime in I will..
I...
Chime in I will..
I rarely criticize the artistic aspect of design. While nice in it's own right, I feel it has limited appeal...having a coffin hanging on the wall isn't suited for everyone, nor can just anyone pull it off. Gothic modernism ideally suited for aspiring vampires. Happy Halloween!
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