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Monday, November 14, 2011

As Time Goes By

One thing we just don’t have enough of is time. I guess that’s why I’ve always gravitated toward clocks, watches, hourglasses, and all things related to time. My most favorite form of timepiece is the French mantle clock. I’ve a few I’d like to share, like this beauty. It has an enamel inset of angels, a pair of peacocks, and a hand painted satin glass finial. Yummy!

 This design originated in France around the 1600’s. It is ormolu or gold-gilt bronze as it is known here in the U.S.  The original process added high karat gold to the metal during the firing process.  Many of the workers didn’t live past forty from all the metal they inhaled from the process! By the next decade, they exacted a better process. Thank heavens!

 Many of the clocks we love were made by the New Haven factory that was formed in Conn. by Hiram Camp in 1853. 

 The company lasted over one hundred years, but finally closed its doors for good in 1960.

 Many of the company’s gorgeous designs still continue to warm our hearts today, like this little guy.

 Someone once inquired about my collection and asked me if they all work. In truth, I don’t know, nor do I care.

 I just love them for their beauty. It speaks of a time when form was prized over function, and people ‘did’ stop to smell the roses.

 I think each face with its delicate enameling and lovely gilt is a work of art.

 Even the tiny hands are each unique and intricately designed.

 This blown glass one with heavy gilt detail, called my name for a while until the shop owner took pity on my lusting, and a deal was made. Thanks, Ody!


Oh, this little jewel I just had to show you.  Not for the watch, but for the exquisite watch holder! It’s egg shaped with a beveled glass door. But, just look at the etched glass back. Isn’t it fabulous!  I bought it on eBay and didn’t even notice the etching until it arrived! I guess no one else did either; I got it for a song.

 This is my little ball clock I got from the same shop. She knows how I love clocks and put it aside for me. Her shop is amazing. If you’re ever in Miami, check her out at Ody’s Antiques. 

 Last, what home would be complete without an anniversary clock? I got this tiny one because of the sparkle of the four crystal cubes as they spin back and forth. (You know I can’t resist the bling!)

 Thanks for indulging me and giving me a moment of your “TIME” to share some of my treasures. Do you have a clock fetish, too? Tell me I'm not the only one. I’d love to hear about it.

Hugs,

Patti

We're Linking to the Following Parties:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Twice Owned Tuesday @ House of Grace
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
One Project at a Time @ A Bowl Full of Lemons 
Anything Goes @ Type A
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Primp Yourself Wednesday @ Primp
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri Party @ 2805
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Homemaking Weekend Link Up@ Hope in Every Season
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
The Sunday  Showcase Party @ Under The Table and Dreaming
Sunday's Best Party @ My 1929 Charmer
Sunday Linky Party @ Petite Hermine
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Mosaic Monday @ Dear Little Red House
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

88 comments:

  1. Gorgeous clock collection!! I love everyone of them.
    Rhonda

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  2. I love the figural ones, but I think my favorite is actually the blown glass.

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  3. These clocks are just beautiful!! They truly make a stunning display! I could never pick a favorite from this grouping...they're all fabulous!!

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  4. Your collection of clocks is just beautiful!
    -Lynn

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  5. It's a good thing I don't know where you live, or I might have to consider taking up a life of crime!

    I've got a real passion for clocks
    (thus the name of my business and blog), so not only does your beautiful collection make me ga-ga, so does your photography of them!

    Hope you'll link up to Knick of Time Tuesday again this week!

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

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  6. Oh my goodness Patti... what an exquisite collection you have!... I cannot decide which one is my favorite, I love them all... perhaps the first one as I am of French heritage, and it is so stunning!... I too love clocks, hourglasses, vintage watches...one of my most cherished family heirlooms is my great~grandfather's gold pocket watch... maybe for the same reasons you do... they remind me of a simpler, gentler time when folks really did "stop to smell the roses" as you said... I also love vintage opera glasses and have a pair of Chevalier that look very similar to yours... your vignettes are all so lovely... I am just sitting here in a dream looking at them... xoxo Julie Marie

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  7. Wow, what a beautiful collection. I remember my mom having one like the first picture. As usual your collections are stunning.
    TFS

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  8. Patti, your clocks are just exquisite! I love every one of them but the one with the little cherub looking back over his shoulder is my favorite. I have very few clocks around, mainly I don't like the stress of keeping track of time, but maybe the solution is not to wind them! Thanks for sharing your lovely clocks.

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  9. Tick Tock, Tick Tock, I love the anniversary clock! You have a beautiful collection.

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  10. Hi Patti, I do have a clock collection too your not along, and OMG your collection is absolutely gorgeous! It's hard to pick, but I think the first one is my favorite. Patti I wanted to thank you for stopping by and for your prayers and sweet comments about my little dog Abbie, it meant so much to me.
    hugs~~~ Daphne

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  11. Patti your post has turned me into a slavering salivating drooling mess! Lol!!
    Yowser them's some durn pretty french clocks!!
    I have a candlestick and inkwell featuring the exact cherub you have in pictures 5 and 6...Great minds girl! *winks* And I'm GREENNN with envy over that fabulous bronze ormolu/marble watch case! Killer find my friend.
    ....I do have one tiny complaint....When I clicked on the pictures to view them they just weren't BIG enough!! So BIGGER pictures please...I NEED em!! Lol! Vanna

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  12. Tick tock, tick tock...this is beautiful... Each one has its own wonderful detail to admire...

    Veronica

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  13. Oh Patti darling,

    I am on the run at the moment, dealing with preparations for parent conferences and such, but your POST IS GENEROUS AND GORGEOUS and has made time STOP for me, as I savor the beauty here.....I thank you kindly for your visit to my post, and your world is just delightful...a feast of well-chosen images with warm and inviting friendship. HAVE A FABULOUS DAY! Anita

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  14. These clocks are fantastic...so beautiful!!!

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  15. Time is definitely on your side! :) I'm a Rolling Stones fan! :) Oh, you have the prettiest clocks. Just beautiful clocks!
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  16. so beautiful! thank you for sharing.

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  17. YOu have the most elegant things around your house.No painted wooden boxes for you just elegant beautiful things.Those clocks are so history

    I want your staffordshire dogs. I am looking for a pair of white ones besides the little ones I found for $2.00

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  18. Hello Patti (and Paula!)... I am back once more... all night long I think I dreamt about your beautiful collection of vintage and antique clocks... I just had to take another look...your photos are all so stunning as well... each tresor looks just so exquisitely detailed...and your egg shaped watch holder is so lovely... the etching is so delicate and pretty...I love reading your posts for all of the valuable information you share along with your collections... oooh, I can just picture your home inside... sigh... xoxo Julie Marie

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  19. Thanks for visiting me, you inspire me to blog more. I also have a facebook I just started, Cheryl's Fascinaging Finds, come visit there also, I'll be back!

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  20. I would be thrilled just to have one of these...the whole collection, what a treasure!

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  21. Hello Patti ! mmm beautiful collection you have, I especially like the first one and the blown glass with gilt is so nice oh and the etched glass holder is tooooo nice ! Lovely post !
    Gail x

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  22. Wow...thanks for sharing your beautiful clocks and watches as well as the history of them.:)

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  23. I have a thing for clocks, too, Patti! I have one in every single room now! I've tried to figure out why I like them so much and wonder if it is because I am always conscious of being on time to events or appointments. I love the watch holder. What a great idea to showcase a loved pocket watch.

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  24. Thank´s for your lovely comment, dear Patti.....it makes me so happy!!! And i loooooove clocks too - sooooo beautiful!!! Have a wonderful time,

    Jade

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  25. Oh la la! Those are gorgeous clocks. What a great collection!~

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  26. Oh my word. Unreal clocks. They are all so lovely. Your vignette is stunning. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  27. So many of us love clocks! You have a wonderful collection. Really works of art!

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  28. Patti, they are all gorgeous. The egg shaped orb that holds the watch is very different and special. hugs♥O

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  29. Hi Patti. I found a great c. 1810 English pocket watch for my husband, several years ago and a few of the intricately designed balance bridges from 17th, and 18th century watches. Amazing meld of function and art! Love all your finds! Trish

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  30. Oh My... I love them all! What a collection.

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  31. I've noticed that it is becoming quite rare to find clocks in private or public spaces these days. It is strange, because most people seem to find that there isn't enough time to do everything we want to do with our lives. So, perhaps, today, we see time as our enemy rather than our friend and no longer feel the need, or even want to be reminded of time ticking by.
    Like you, I admire the wondrous beauty of the clock and clock case makers art. Your collection is just gorgeous and interestingly enough, you admire them as objects and whether or not they keep time is of secondary importance.

    Anna

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  32. I always learn something new here, often swoon at your belongings and am forever wondering how you find the space to display all this stuff so beautifully. Is there a shop and two households full?

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  33. You have a beautiful collection. I love them all! I don't have a lot of pretty clocks, and I wish that I did.

    (I don't even own a watch)

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  34. yes, I love clocks too! I have many around the house. I have several large ones that hang on the wall too. Yours are very pretty and regal looking. They look like they could be in a formal parlour.

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  35. What a Collection you have there! Just wonderful to see someone who shares my love for them too.
    xxx Liz

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  36. Hi Patti, What a beautiful clock collection! I especially love the egg shaped glass case. Every single one is amazing. Thanks for linking to the open House Party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  37. Well WOW! Those are gorgeous! I especially love the glass ones and the way they look together with the gilt....such beauty! What a great post! I always love coming over here and seeing what y'all are sharing! And many thanks for joining me again this week for Pearls and Lace Thursday! I notice the pearls make the clocks just that much more elegant!!!
    Blessings to you!!
    Doni

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  38. That is a beautiful collection, I've never seen so many pretty clocks in one place. Thanks for leaving me such a lovely comment, its very much appreciated.

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  39. Soooo pretty! You gals always have the best collections! Thanx for coming to party!:)

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  40. Hi Patti,
    Wow, your collection is gorgeous! New Haven is in my state. We also had a Waterbury clock factory. I collect the little alarm clocks. Not as decorative as your collection but pretty non the less. Thanks for sharing them with us:) Have a great weekend.
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  41. Not only are the clocks gorgeous, but the way you display them as well!!! Beautiful!!

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  42. I love all your beautiful clocks. I have a few, my husband likes pocket watches, and I have a couple of clocks.....stored. The ticking used to drive my daughter crazy, so we stopped using them....but she is gone from home living on her own now and I need to bring them back out. I think I will do that today! Great inspiration here today. Happy VTT!

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  43. One thing is far sure, you have a collection of the finer things in life.

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  44. That is such a beautiful collection!

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  45. Hello Patti... okay, this is my third time back to this post... stopping by again today from Debra's party at Common Ground... I am so enchanted by everything... it just keeps calling me back... I have a number of Ormolu pieces I have collected through the years, but certainly not the beautiful collection you have... those French mantle clocks are whispering to me... I cannot sleep at night now thinking about buying one... there are some stunning ones on Ebay right now... have your bought any from Ebay before? I know you said you bought the exquisite etched watch holder there, but was wondering about the clocks... would love any info you can share with me on those... I am fascinated... xoxo Julie Marie PS I do not care if they work or not either...

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  46. Ok Patti, I don't have a fettish but your giving me ideas...that's all I need to add to my collecting of things! Let me tell you my dear, they are gorgeous! I love them all, very difficult to pick one from this great group. I also love the dog as I do collect dogs.
    Thanks for sharing. FABBY

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  47. Absolutely gorgeous clocks!! I really enjoyed seeing them all.

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  48. amazing they are all so exquisite in their own way.... hope they give you some time .... LOL !!!!! thanks for sharing these awesome pieces .. hugz x

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  49. Wow, those are so amazingly beautiful, I just found you on Vintage Thingie Thursday and I am so glad I did! Now following!

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  50. I just love this piece! You have so many lovely clocks. Im spending Thanksgiving with some good friends that coincidentally love clocks and restore them. I think a clock club is in order dont you?

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  51. Time for me to tell you...I love your clocks!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Leticia

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  52. Beautiful clocks!!! What a nice collection to have!

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  53. Your continue to amaze, ladies! This clock collection is gorgeous. Stunning!

    Thank you for sharing your fabulous collection at Potpourri Friday!

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  54. You have some wonderful clocks .At first I thought it was just some picture you copy .They are great. Laura

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  55. Those clocks are wonderful. The blown glass one is my favorite, and so unique and pretty. Yes, I know what you mean...I have the same interest in clocks as you do. And my daughter asked for a clock necklace this year for Christmas. When my dad passed away, I was given his antique pocket watch, but the outer cover broke off, so I gave it away. I loved this post and all of your beautiful clocks. Now I want to get one!
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  56. You have such remarkable taste! Each clock seemed prettier than the one before!

    Thanks for visiting and leaving such a sweet comment.

    Jill

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  57. That is an amazing collection! And the bottle one,made me gasp! Thanks for sharing!

    CArol

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  58. What a Fabulous Collection....I've always loved elaborate detailing such as is found on your clocks, Beautiful! Thank you for visiting and commenting at ShabbyTeaParty. I'm following you back. Warm Hugs,

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  59. I do like clocks, which is ironic as I'm famous on two continents for being late...

    The ball clock is my favourite. I have a tiny one from Ebay that I wear as a pendant (Cost me a penny) but I'm hoping one day to find a bigger one. Your clock collection is amazing. The big French ormolu clock is a stunner!

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  60. Hello, splendid images, and some stunning clocks. thanks

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  61. Oh how completely beautiful!! I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  62. What a beautiful collection!
    Thank you for stopping by my blog. I'm a new follower now,hope you'll join me as well.
    Hugs

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  63. My beautifull site ???look at this ..... there is so much too see !!!!! I love it .. thanks that you found me ... Now I have another beautifull blogg that I can follow.. hugs Viana xx

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  64. Good morning darling Patti! Oh dearest, we are approaching a time of year that brings so many opportunities to stop and say THANK YOU in whatever language...your kind words are always much appreciated and your vision and images are just breathtaking to me! LOVE YOUR HEADER SO MUCH.....grosses bises et calins (big kisses and hugs, in French!) Anita

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  65. Beautiful clock collection and what a treasure! Thanks so much for sharing it. I've never seen some like yours, but always love clocks of any kind. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
    Linda

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  66. Patti these are all absolutely stunning timepieces! So unique and very special!

    I have been recovering from hip replacement am doing rehab, and getting better every day!

    Love and Hugs,

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  67. These are so lovely...I'm going to have to go back for a third look....and thank you for your lovely comment!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  69. So nice to meet you Patti... I am honored that you would like to follow along with me.. Thank you so much for your visit and most kind words... You have made my day!

    I just love you blog. It is very welcoming, and I love antything vintage and victorian.. This is an exquisite collection you have here.
    Blessings,
    Penny
    p.s.
    pardon my oops above.. typo

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  70. Hi Patti, I'm loving this post. WOW they are gorgeous, beautiful collections. I love clocks too.
    xxx
    Marlene

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  71. I have a beautiful grandfather clock in my parlor that I love. The chimes are heavenly.
    I was also given an antique clock by my father when I was a young girl. My parents furnished our 1800's farmhouse with gorgeous antiques, so I learned early on to appreciate such beautiful treasures. Now I live in a Victorian (from the 1800's as well) and I am always on the lookout for a decorative mantel clock, appropriate for the period and decor of this home.
    Your collection is incredible..
    Wishing you a blessed Thansgiving~
    Lisa

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  72. Love the clock collection!! I know one thing I never leave home without my clock. I live with my clock especially when I am at work. It keeps me on schedule:)

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  73. Patti .. thank you so much for visiting and reading the back posts on Once Upon A Time. Your comment really touched me... You said exactly what I hope people get from me sharing my detour and journey.. God is with us ..even when things make no sense; I truly believe I am here not only due to the prayers my friends and family had organized around the world .. but because God has a greater purpose for me.

    Now, these clocks are brilliant .. Time really is a gift! and to be reminded through such beautiful crafted pieces is priceless.

    I can't wait to discover more around your wonderful blog.. now a follower of Ivy and Elephants...:) xo HHL

    Falling Off A High Heeled Life
    http://attitudeivlife.blogspot.com

    and

    ATTEATUDE and Chocolate
    http://www.atteatudeandchocolate.blogspot.com

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  74. I've always wanted to have a Dutch wall clock from Friesland. I love the old fashioned anniversary clock - it's a classic!

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  75. Oh my!!! you have got the most beautiful collection of clocks I have ever seen! And those have been mostly in museums!!!! Just wonderful!!! Wishing you a wonderful week ! Cathy

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  76. What a lovely collection of clocks. I so enjoyed reading the history. Hope you all have a great week!

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  77. Wow! That is quite the gorgeous collection! Your vignettes are beautiful too. :)

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  78. You have some of the most eclectric collections I have ever seen. but I always like the deets you share. I love all the clocks. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for sharing over at Sunday's Best.

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  79. What a beautiful post! Now I gotta go figure out what an Anniversary Clock is! :) Thanks so much for linking up---hope to see you back this weekend!

    Sarah

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  80. Lovely post! I love clocks too but don't have such an extensive collection. Visiting from 2805 Potpourri Party.
    Debra

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  81. What an amazing collection. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Sunday's Best =)

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  82. Now that is a lot of clocks. While I don't have a clock fetish, the marriage counselor my husband and I are seeing has a ton of hour glasses all over his office. I think you are the second person I've ever seen that gravitates toward those types of items. I think it's awesome! New follower!

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.