Collector’s antique clocks auction
Published April 16th, 2006
Failing health is forcing collector Raymond Gilliam to sell off more than 400 of his prized clocks.
Gilliam, 81, has some clocks that date back to 1880. Some of his more sought-after pieces are double-dial clocks, which also keep up with the date as well as the time.
He started his clock collection when he worked at Owens Corning in Anderson.
“I bought one and worked on it,” he said. “There must not have been much wrong with it if I fixed it. But after that I thought I was a clock fixer.”
He has been collecting the clocks for the past 50 years. His Ox Yoke Antiques buildings on U.S. Highway 29 in Anderson, along with all the contents, are to be sold at auction April 21-22.
“He’s been talking to me for seven or eight years about having an auction, but when you love something like he loves this business, it’s really hard to let go,” auctioneer Jimmy Johnson said. “This is an amazing collection. It would take someone 10 years to get the variety of clocks that are here.”
When he began collecting in earnest, Gilliam traveled throughout the United States to find pieces from all around the world. But now health problems, including diabetes are taking their toll.
“I started falling down in here and I didn’t have anybody to help me get up,” he said.
His wife, Hazel, said giving up the shop has been hard. “He’s been coming over here for so long working and seeing the people,” Hazel Gilliam said. “He’s got a lot of friends who come here just to talk to him.”
Bidders can check out the goods on Wednesday for a $10 admission fee.
During the auction, onsite bidders will be able to see digital images of the merchandise on screens. Online bidders will be able to buy the items over the Internet.
