As in the past, we have retained the services of horologist, Chris Bailey, to provide descriptions that will allow you to bid with confidence. Moreover, we guarantee our catalog details: if we define a lot by model, for instance: Seth Thomas Regulator #2 or E. Howard #5 Banjo you may be assured that the movement is the correct model for the case with no unexplained holes in the backboard, and that the movement bears appropriate factory markings. Exceptions are clearly noted.

Our Spring 2000 auction features clocks from several countries, including foreign items de-accessioned from the American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol. This auction represents a major shift in the way we present clocks to the public. In addition to the printed catalog, the clocks and their descriptions may be viewed on the internet, and you may request high definition jpg images to be forwarded to anyone with web access. As near as we can surmise by our email inquiries, about one third of our customers use the internet confidently. When that amount grows, we will be happy to consider active on-line bidding, but for the time being, e-mail bidding, just like fax-ing is for a single one time bid, to be posted against all other bids at the close of bidding.

Registration: PAST customers AND NAWCC MEMBERS are already registered, and need only fill out the bid form and send it to us; a toll-free FAX number is on the bid form; you may photocopy that page, or you may phone in your bid. NON-Nawcc members, who are unknown to us, may only submit by bids via written bid form with proper details and full signature.

Condition of lots: Our description of each lot is as thorough as space permits. Our basic description is guaranteed, as to origin and time period. If you are in doubt, ask us. If unsure, do not bid.

Buyer's Premium: 10% Stated simply, if your $50 bid wins, your invoice will total $55. There is NO sales tax.

Payment should be made within 10 days of invoice, even if you plan to drive in person to pick up your item[s].

1. The internet catalog is meant to supplement the printed catalog, not to replace it. Although you can print out images from the internet, it is time consuming, clogs up the server, and the full catalog is only $20 postpaid, including results.
2. Unlike "on-line" auctions, you have only one chance to bid, and will not be aware of your success until after the close. The price you pay will be determined by the other bidders. For instance, if an item has two bids, one bid of $1500 and one of $2000, the $2000 bidder would prevail at one increment over $1500, or $1600, and that would be the "hammer" price. If both people had bid $2000, we would have taken the first received. We will NOT contact the loser to see if he would like to bid more. Everyone has one and only one chance to bid.
3. The auction house still adds a 10% fee or "premium" to the total of your invoice. So if your winning bid was $300, your invoice will total $330.
4. Payment. We get all kinds of questions on this and most folks still prefer to send checks. However we do accept "PayPalâ" on-line payments for those of you with U.S. internet service. You might have a look at: www.paypal.com and sign up now, as there is about a 2-week waiting period for your account to become fully active {they send you a code in the mail that must be entered to activate transfers}. Our PayPalâ address is: bob@roschmittfinearts.com Pay pal is at this point only in the U.S. Foreign buyers should still use bank transfers.
5. Shipping. We can't emphasize this enough. Even though Miss Cooke and Mr. Hagstoz do the packing and shipping, they can not do it all at once. It takes time. We will acknowledge your payment on receipt and remind you that it will take time to pack and ship your items. Their shipping charges are billed separately. FOLKS LIVING IN NEW ENGLAND ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND PICK YOUR GOODS UP IN PERSON.
6. Distant customers with large purchases should consider Mr. Raleigh or Mr. LeVarn, for door to door delivery (see below).
7. As a category, we have seen the prices of Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks, rise faster than any other, and that of course is the title of a recent book by Derek Roberts, published by Schiffer Publishing, 1999.

> BID FORM: The printed catalog contains a bid form which you may copy.
OR    [click here for printable bid form]   [click here for MicroSoft Word 6.0 version]
You might find printing the 'word' file more convenient, or you can edit the form on your computer to provide your bid information and return it by e-mail as an attched document. You may also use your own letterhead, as long as all pertinent information is present. If you are bidding on more items than on the form, please type or print all bids on a single sheet and attach that to a signed bid form. Owing to the volume, we receive many duplicate bids, especially for items less than $500, and identical bids will be posted to the earliest received. You may keep this to a minimum by adding cents to your bid; ie $994.27

> PAYMENT FOR BIDS: We will normally notify successful bidders within 7 days. If you have included a FAX number on your bid form, we will notify you by FAX, unless you advise us NOT to. Others will be notified by mail. Personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank are acceptable. Note that shipping charges are extra and will be billed at the time of shipment. Please realize that there is a considerable shipping backlog.

> OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS may remit via AirPost with money orders, or large amounts may be wired directly to BankBoston, 100 Federal St., Boston, MA, routing #011000390, Swift #FNBBUS33, for credit to R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts, Salem, New Hampshire, account number 0137-3870.

> SHIPPING: We use local packaging companies that provide service to all worldwide addresses. They use cardboard boxes unless wooden crates are specified. As a general rule, charges start at $25 for small novelties +alarms, $50 on medium shelf clocks and around $75 for large school clocks. Wooden crates start at $100 + freight

> SELLERS: A complete set of our terms of consignment is available for asking.

> SALES TAX: There is NO sales tax in New Hampshire.

> PICK UP IN LIEU OF SHIPPING: If you or your agent/friend would prefer to drive to Salem to pick up purchases, an appointment can be arranged. You should still plan to settle your account within 10 days of invoicing. Note that Mr. Raleigh and Mr. LaVarn cover most of the 48 states with blanket wrapped delivery service; see phone numbers below; minimum charges apply.

> RESERVES: Owing to the nature of a silent auction, all items have a minimum or reserve bid; bids below that amount will be ignored. They are a waste of time, so please do not bid unless it is at least the minimum bid.

> CONDITION GUIDELINES: If the lot description included the words "as-found", the item came to us from storage, and may require cleaning and overhaul. General maintenance items such as broken suspension springs, broken or missing weight cords, missing keys or door latches are not mentioned. Although many clocks were running when we took possession of them, we cannot guarantee that they will run without adjustment when you get them home. Adjectives used in grading condition: poor, fair, good, very good, excellent, superior. If we have not mentioned major shortcomings, you may assume that the clock is in generally good and restorable condition. Terms like "needs work" or "major restoration required" should be self explanatory.

> KEYS: Some clocks may have keys, but we do NOT provide them for all clocks; they are available from suppliers listed in the catalog.

> AGE & PROVENANCE: We do occasionally offer modern reproductions of earlier models, but they are clearly indicated {Howard reissues, for example}. Restoration to older models is clarified: "new paper dial" or "new tablet" should prove self-explanatory.

> NUMBER LABELS on each clock are quite sticky; apply mild heat to make removal easier; pull SLOWLY, use a razor on glass. Hand cleaner, "goop" or solvent will loosen any residue.

> TRANSIT damage may occur on a small percentage of shipments. Although we will assist with claims in every way possible, transit damage is NOT a reason for returning an item. Repairs are available for all but total loss cases, and we will make arrangements as necessary.