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Antique Bank Advertising Mystery Clock Glass Gold Gilt Trade Advertising Sign
$750.00
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Online price matches in-store price
LOCAL PICKUP PREFERRED, OR ADDITIONAL SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES APPLY
Early 20th-century antique bank advertising mystery clock, circa 1910s–1920s, featuring an octagonal transparent glass dial with raised gold-gilt Arabic numerals, decorative chapter ring, and the inscription "Time To Start An Account."
Suspended below the clock is an original glass advertising sign reading, "No Clock Works – No Electricity – No Magnets – No Air Control – What Makes It Go? Ask the Man Inside."
These unusual mystery clocks were designed as attention-grabbing window displays, encouraging passersby to enter the establishment and inquire about their seemingly mysterious operation. Similar examples are documented in American banks during the early 20th century.
This piece originated from a large antique collection assembled in the Wisconsin Dells (formerly Kilbourn), Wisconsin, area. According to information provided with the collection, the clock once hung in downtown Wisconsin Dells and was used at a local bank. This history has not been independently verified and is offered solely as reported provenance.
The original clock hands and mechanical movement are missing. There is a very small chip to the upper left corner of the lower hanging glass sign, along with areas of gold-gilt lettering loss, particularly affecting the letters K, E, and S in "Makes" and the letter G in "Go." There is also a small surface mar/scratch on the main glass dial near the numeral 3. Additional age-related wear is present. Please carefully examine all photographs for condition and completeness.
**Approximate Measurements:**
- Overall: 30" x 24"
- Main octagonal clock dial: 24" x 24"
- Lower hanging advertising sign: 14" x 4"
An uncommon surviving example of early American banking advertising and mystery clock history, retaining its original decorative glass dial, hanging advertising sign, and suspension hardware. Sold as found, incomplete, and as-is.
Item(s) may show light signs of wear consistent with age and use over the years, including marks, scuffs, light scratches, small dings, toning or light discoloration, etc. Please view all photos.
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Local Pickup Preferred or Shipping Handling Fee auto-applied at checkout.
Free local pickup at our store (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)
This oversized, fragile item is best for local pickup. Shipping is available, and a handling fee is included in the shipping cost for extra packing, oversized shipping surcharges, and materials.
✓ 1 in stock
Pickup available at 861 Grove St
Usually ready in 2-4 days
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Ships domestically via UPS Ground or USPS Ground Advantage with tracking. Carefully packaged to prevent damage.
Processing time: 1–2 business days.
Returns: Eligible only if the item arrives damaged or not as described.
For change-of-mind returns, see our Return Policy — customer pays return shipping.
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This oversized, fragile item is best for local pickup. Shipping is available, and a handling fee is included in the shipping cost for extra packing and materials.
Save with Combined Shipping
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Our store is located at 861 Grove. St, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
We ask that any online pickup orders be picked up within 3 weeks of purchase unless other accommodations have been made with us.
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Larger or fragile. Heavyweight items are shipped via white-glove freight and typically take 20-30 days from purchase to delivery. You should see a note below the product description for most products requiring white-glove freight shipping.