Ives, Blakeslee & Williams Co. ca. 1890’s Clockwork No. 49-9 “The Mechanical Stump Speaker” Black Americana for Sale *SOLD*

Ives, Blakeslee & Williams Co. ca. 1890’s Clockwork No. 49-9 “The Mechanical Stump Speaker” Black Americana 

We have for you a very rare ca. 1890’s clockwork No. 49-9 “The Mechanical Stump Speaker” that was manufactured by Ives Manufacturing Company/Ives, Blakeslee & Williams Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut. This can be seen in the 1965 reprint of the 1890’s Ives, Blakeslee, & Williams Co. catalog on page 10 (see pictures). 

The catalog says that this mechanical Stump Speaker makes “natural comical motions.” When wound with his original key, he turns his head towards his table, leans over, and bangs his umbrella on the table repeating the motions. The clockwork is very strong and works. His wooden base, table, clockwork mechanism, strings, and inner workings are all original. As this is an old toy and very delicate, his left hand has been restored. His clothes, umbrella, and carpetbag have been lovingly restored as close to the original as could be using many vintage materials from what little visual information (pictures, catalogs, etc.) on this toy that could be found. His hat is all original and his delicate face is one of the most beautiful and original examples that we have seen. This toy was obviously well-loved and cared for over 100+ years.  

This piece is in great condition for its age. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 6 ½” L x 4” W x 11” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.            

A brief history of Ives Manufacturing Company of Plymouth/Bridgeport, Connecticut:  

Founder: Edward R. Ives  

1868 – 1932 

E.R. Ives & Co. of Plymouth, Connecticut 

1868 – 1870  

Specialty: Originally made baskets and hot air toys.  

Ives, Blakeslee, & Williams Co.  1872 – 1932   

Specialty: Ives joined in partnership with his brother-in-law Cornelius Blakeslee. Ives moved to Bridgeport in 1870; by the 1880s, they were leaders in superb clockwork toys designed by Jerome Secor, Nathan Warner, and Arthur Hotchkiss. Ives also acted as a jobber for other toy manufacturers` toys. The firm filed for bankruptcy in 1929, another victim of the Depression. Lionel took over the company at that time, and the name Ives and Blakeslee remained until 1931.