c. 1700
Pierre Fardoil Adding Machine & Watch / Time Piece
I am half owner of this Rare 18th Century Pierre
Fardoil Adder / Adding Machine and Fardoil Watch / Time Piece.
I am offering to sell my 1/2 ownership in the Fardoil adder or a percentage of it as a partnership.
There have been new developments with my partner, and so the offer is being
changed to reflect to that.Here is the history of this rare piece of calculation history --- please read on.
The Fardoil adder is one of the earliest and rarest 18th century mechanical adding machines known. The 2 pieces pictured are the same Fardoil Adder / Adding Machine and Fardoil Pocket Watch that sold for approx. $74,000 at the Auction-Team Breker sale about 10 years ago.
That auction write-up and result can be found online at Liveauctioneers.com/item/36708195_the-adding-machine-of-pierre-fardoil-c-1700.
This Fardoil adder was bought in upstate NY prior to the Breker auction from a private party. This Fardoil adder is one of only two known, and could be the only example if it is the same one that the French Musee des Arts et Metiers (CNAM), the French State Museum, expressed an ownership right to prior to the auction. CNMA claimed their Fardoil adder was "lost", stolen, or otherwise disappeared from their collection when it was on display in the US during the 1939 New York World's Fair.
The high bidder for the Fardoil Adder at the Breker auction was Professor Korte from the University of Bonn. He was bidding to acquire it for the Arithmeum museum in Bonn, Germany. The high bidder backed out from finalizing the Breker auction sale due in part to the CNAM claim. The underbidder also backed away.
The two Fardoil pieces were then returned to the consignors---myself and the other 1/2 owner, Peter Frei who has possession of both pieces and is an antique dealer based in Massachusetts. He is my current partner and ex-friend in the two pieces.
Peter Frei and I had been partners in numerous technology-related antiques prior to having a falling out. Our friendship ended one day over a situation concerning an antique sewing machine I had paid for that we were 50 / 50 partners on. Peter entered into an agreement with a 3rd party offering him 50% to sell it without consulting or discussing that decision with me.
His deal with a 3rd party made me a 25% junior partner. When I questioned his decision, Peter, in a fit of faux rage declared we were no longer friends and that our partnership was over. There is more to this story that is irrelevant to this sale and does not need to be retold here.
What should be told is the story of who first found the adder---that would be me---and details surrounding that event.
The sellers of the Fardoil lived in upstate NY. They contacted me first and I made an appointment to go see it. They told me that the adder had been "found" in New York, and the now deceased "finder" had been a caretaker / custodian / groundskeeper / employee when he "found" it. The family told me they had had it appraised at Sotheby's or Christies auction house for approx. 5K. I offered to purchase it from them for the same amount in cash.
The family initially said no, but months later called me and said they were ready to sell the Fardoil. As I was back in CA I called Peter and enlisted him to go and get it. I offered him to be 50/50 partners on the Fardoil. He agreed and went and got it. We split the cost 50/50. He later bought the Fardoil watch and we split the cost of that as well. Those are facts that are not disputeable.
Peter handled consigning the Fardoil to Breker's Auction. The Breker auction failed after the French Musee des Arts et Metiers / CNAM cast doubt on the rightful ownership of the Fardoil and the Arithmeum backed out of the sale.
After the auction failed to produce a sale Peter attempted to market the Fardoil to the under bidder and other parties. Those attempts failed. Later the CNAM made a relatively low offer, not to purchase the Fardoil, but rather as compensation for having found it and returning it. That offer was rejected.
Then something akin to the storyline in Lord of the Rings began to unfold, and the "my precious" concept, much like with Gollum and his "my precious" in the Lord of the Rings story began to take hold. Peter, despite saying he was ready to sell, and that he wanted to sell the Fardoil, could not bear to let it go, or have it leave his hands.
The disclosure of these details is necessary because provenance / history of ownership of important historical pieces is vital to establishing and enhancing an objects value. In addition I want to insure there are no claims of non-disclosure or other problems down the road from a buyer of my 1/2 share or a new partner in my half share.
The attempts after the failed auction for Peter and I to settle up on the Fardoil should also be told so that potential parties are fully informed and can better formulate a plan to finalize / force the sale with Peter.
After the failed auction and over the next 10 years Peter offered several proposals to resolve the Fardoil situation between us --- all in writing and documented---but then reneged on following through on every one of them. For the record, let's review some of Peter Frei's past proposals:
Immediately after the auction Peter wrote that if the high bidder or under bidder would not pay the original sale price it had brought at auction he would simply buy us out for 1/2 of the high bid, as we both felt it had not reached its full potential because of the French interference. He never followed through on that proposal, later claiming it was just a negotiation tactic.
Shortly after Peter ended our friendship, and after the auction, he announced we would settle up over the Fardoil by having a private auction between us, with a third party holding the Fardoil until that process was complete. He reneged on that proposal claiming he did not have enough money.
Peter next demanded we wait, and be patient, as the Fardoil was in his words, "burned" by the French, their claims, and the failed auction.
In 2019, 5 years after the auction and after numerous requests by us to resolve the situation, Peter said to wait one more year to see if he could sell the Fardoil from his new website. In writing he said that if it did not sell from his website at the end of the 1 year period we would send it to auction again. He proposed that in writing and then reneged on that solution with no explanation or excuse. He has recently taken down the ad for the Fardoil from his website without any communication or explanation.
Peter next suggested we should name a price he could buy us out at, with the stipulation that he would need 6 months to gather the money. A proposal that was neither fair nor equitable, but in the interest of ending this ordeal we proposed selling our half interest to him for $18K --- approx. 25% of the original sale price of $74K it had reached at the Breker auction. $18K equated to approx. 50% of what we were due had the auction succeeded---a reasonable offer by us to resolve this.
Peter rejected that offer outright saying he would never pay that amount, with no meaningful counter or further discussion. That was over 2 years ago, much longer than the 6 months he said would be needed to raise funds to buy us out, once again reneging on a proposal he himself put forward.
Most recently in Dec of 2024 we suggested listing it for sale on our two websites at a lower price, to give it more exposure and to further enhance its desirability and value. To do that we needed to discuss a price beforehand that we could both agree to. Peter declined, and then a short time later wrote he alone would decide if he would agree to a lower price AFTER I found a buyer---a stupid and unworkable proposal not worth discussing further, and mentioned here only to illustrate the absurdity.
After all of that we have decided to sell our 1/2 share, or take on a new partner in our 1/2 share / half interest in the Fardoil, or donate our half share to an interested party with just a few conditions of caveats. Our hope is that an interested and qualified 3rd party who has a new or different approach or plan might be better able to deal with, negotiate with, or legally force a sale for the Fardoil with Peter.
NEW DEVELOPEMENT - Since I have posted this proposal as a means to settle up with Peter Frei there have been new developments. Peter has removed the Fardoil ad from his website where it had been listed for sale for $74,000. When I wrote to him inquiring if it had been sold, and what his intentions were, he did not respond. This could mean several things, none of which indicate he is going to willingly settle up with me, or a new partner. Bottom line, it seems, he has no intention of honoring our partnership and splitting the proceeds 50/50, or, he is hiding it for some other unknown but pretty obvious reason.
Given Peter Frei no longer communicates or responds to emails from me, and I have no idea what his intentions are, what he is doing, or has done, I have decided to offer a new proposal to a qualified buyer or partner. Whatever Peter Frei's intentions, or whatever he thinks, I am still rightfully half-owner of the Fardoil and owed half of the proceeds if or when it is soldd. Alternatively, I have the right to sell my half share or donate it to whoever I like.
Given the current situation I now believe that a legal action may be the only course of action to resolve this. I am not a lawyer nor in a position to begin any legal actions to assert my ownership claim. Given that, I am willing to sell or donate my entire interest in the Fardoil for a very small investment. At this point, I am simply looking for a qualified and acceptable party to make a reasonable proposal to resolve this situation.
I am thinking the initial investment would be nothing more than a concrete proposal from a third party, be that the French, or some other entity or individual to pursue this legally to force the sale. I will sign an acceptable agreement drawn up by the new partner, his lawyer or other representative.
If the French want to regain title to the Fardoil they previously claimed is rightfully theirs, I will extend this offer to them if they approach me with a reasonable proposal.
This proposal for my half interest in the Fardoil would be a great deal for the right person or entity who thinks they can deal with Peter Frei, close the deal, or force a sale. Just think, a documented ownership in a rare probably one-of-a-kind and unique piece of calculation history for a fraction of its potential value!
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FARDOIL
Price . . . . . . $ TBD
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Type I Curta Calculator Serial No. 21577
This Type I Curta serial # is 21577 and was produced in 1952 a
few years after production began.. This Curta Calculator is in
excellent condition and operates smoothly and flawlessly. The
body is very nice and shows little if any wear or tear. The
metal case is in fine condition as well.The Curta calculator was invented by Curt Herzstark while imprisoned in a German concentration camp during World War II. This interesting design calculator was the top of the line hand held manual calculator in its day and was immensely popular before the advent of the handheld electronic calculator which essentially made them obsolete in the 70's.
They were made up until about 1970 and all told about 150,00 both Type 1 & Type 2 models were made. They are highly collectible pieces of calculation history, and an important example of calculation technology in the scheme of things.
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LCM-CURT-21577
Fine . . . . . $1800.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Type
II Curta Calculator 549950 This Curta with
its original shipping box and paperwork in a plastic case is in fine
condition. The serial No. is 549950. This Type II Curta Calculator is in excellent
condition and operates smoothly and flawlessly. The body shows little if any wear or tear. The
plastic case is very nice with little to no scuffs either. The outer cardboard shipping
box has some bug damage where the insects found the white lettering
to be tasty. They did not make it inside, or get to the
included paperwork.The Curta calculator was invented by Curt Herzstark while imprisoned in a German concentration camp during World War II. This interesting design calculator was the top of the line hand held manual calculator in its day and was immensely popular before the advent of the handheld electronic calculator which essentially made them obsolete in the 70's.
They were made up until about 1970 and all told about 150,00 both Type 1 & Type 2 models were made. They are highly collectible pieces of calculation history, and an important example of calculation technology in the scheme of things.
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LCM-SCURT-549950
Fine. . . . . $2450.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Loga 30 R C Circular Slide Rule / Calculating Disc Also marked USTER - SCHWEIZ.
This Swiss made two-sided circular slide rule does it all. These came in
different models, and the 30 R C does all sorts of Business
related weight & measure conversions. It also does money
conversion. It looks like British monetary units are on the
outside rings on one side.
The instrument is 5 inches across. The case is 6 inches across. This is beautifully made and in Fine condition. It comes with the original, zippered leather pouch and a booklet of instructions. Also in Very Good condition.
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SR-LOGA
Fine . . . . . . $80.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
K
& E / Keuffel & Esser Thacher's / Thatcher
Calculating Instrument Calculator / Slide Rule
15 Page Instruction Pamphlet All
original, not a reprint. I am not sure if this ever had a cover or not.
It is instructions and testimonials, 15 pages all told for an early Thacher
/ Thatcher calculator. I see no date, nor do I see a model number to
indicate if this predates K & E numbering their Thacher the 4100.
I think it is correct with 15 pages and was a supplemental, or quick guide,
as opposed to a full set of instructions. The condition is as seen.
Frayed w/ loose pages.
THACH-CAL-15
Fair . . . . . . $20.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Steam & Electrical
Thomas Edison's
Edison System Ampere Meter This Edison System ampere meter is a rare
and important piece of Electrical history. The condition of this large and
unusual Edison amp meter is exceptional. The scale reads up to 264 amps, off the scale, indicating this meter must have been
used with a huge dynamo or motor.
This Edison meter measures approx. 10" across and 16" tall. The back of the case is cast iron. The etched glass face is flawless. The previous owner made a copy of the paper scale to cover the original scale to help preserve it. The original paper scale is behind the copy on the face in the pics. It is in nice condition.
The wooden case is original finish and in fine condition. The interior workings look like new. The wooden case is stamped in two places with Elec. Eng. Dept. L.S.J.U. which is Stanford University in Palo Alto CA.
A super nice and rare piece of American Electrical History that will display well and be a great addition to the old office, electrical, scientific or related collection! Nice!!
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AMN-ED-METER
Fine . . . . . $3750.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Wm. Boekel & Co.
/ General Electric 3 Speed Motor This Antique 3 Speed Vertical Shaft Electric
Motor is tagged Wm. Boekel & Company. The tag names General Electric
as the maker of the motor. The tag also reads 1/25 HP. 115 V. 1900 rpm. along with more info.
This unusual vertical shaft electric motor stands approx. 9" tall to the top of the 1/4" shaft. The cast iron body has a great look with its flared bell shape bottom. It weighs a good 15 lbs. The original paint is approx. 90%. It runs great on all three speeds.
Google could not find another exact example although a fan site had another ekel vertical shaft motor by a different maker.
There is plenty of info on the original Boekel company and examples of other products they sold. It seems they mostly dealt in lab equipment and different pumps back when. They were based in PA and are still in business today under a slightly different name.
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LCM-MOTOR
Fine . . . . . . $195.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
Cretors Co. of Chicago Ill.
Engine No. 7093 Popcorn Machine Steam Engine
This Cretor steam engine has an insulated electrical powered water
reservoir mounted on the board behind it. A feature I have never seen with one of these steam
engines before. These steam engines are usually associated with
popcorn vending carts that were prevalent and popular back near
the turn of the century. The brass id tag w/ the maker name, patent info,
and engine # are on the cast iron base. The engine and water
tank are mounted on a wooden board.
The steam engine appears to have been repainted. It is currently set up to run on air, and runs nicely. The electric water tank / heater has not been tested. The flyball governor is intact, and it has what appears to be a shop made whistle.
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OR-CRETOR
Good + . . . . . . $3250.00
To Order Email: patentedantiques@gmail.com
We buy quality Antiques in this and other categories of Antiques.
To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold
and are always interested in buying please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages
at our sister website www.AntiqBuyer.com.