I am writing about an experience I had on a local for-sale site today and wonder if others have had the same happen to them. I found this Waterbury Halifax time-only wall clock for sale at a reasonable price.
It had issues. It was not running and the top centre finial was missing. I was assured by the prospective seller that they had the finial but that the spring was “broken”. The seller was not clear whether they meant the suspension spring or the main spring. A suspension spring replacement is an easy fix, the mainspring is a little more difficult. Since it only has one spring it was obvious that if either spring were “broken” the clock was not running. I was prepared to accept that since I can make the necessary repairs. Still, the price was reasonable.
We exchanged emails for a day or so. I asked questions about it’s condition and if there were any other issues and they responded appropriately all the while courting me as the buyer. Finally, I agreed to look at the clock with the intention of buying it and we arranged a time and a place for the exchange. It was a cash deal so a trip to the bank was necessary beforehand.
We set the time between 2 and 4 pm. At around 11:20 am I received an email which stated.
“Morning . The clock has been sold as of a few minutes ago. Thank you for your interest, have a great day.”
I replied, “Not very ethical”, and left it at that.
I believe I am correct. It is clear that the seller received a better offer though I have no way of knowing.
What would you have done if you were the seller?
Antique and Vintage Clocks 
I would done the deal and yes it happened to me jim
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Thanks for coming to my blog. Yes, I missed out on the Waterbury Halifax but scored an Ingraham Huron one week later. From a seller’s perspective I completely understand their point of view but it is frustrating nonetheless for the buyer.
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