This is a rare Antique Oklahoma Advertising Clock, made by the Sessions Clock Company for for "PRATT, Jewelry Co., Seminole's Leading Jewelers", circa 1910.

Advertising clocks were made for merchants to be placed in public places - saloons, hotels, railroad ststions, etc. - in the towns where they did business to promote their establishments and preform the public service of affording the correct time to passers by. The 'advertising' was featured on the large reverse painted glass tablet forming the clock's front. We do not believe that many advertising clocks representing Western, Frontier establishments were made, and fewer still have survived the rough conditions of their environment!

This clock defied 'Wild West' odds and retains its handsome original reverse painted advertising tablet in fine original condition! the case is oak with original finish and fine patina, and the eight day movement is in fine condition.

The town of Seminole was named in 1907 when Oklamoma became the 46th State. Previously Oklahoma had been 'Indian territory' and the refuge of many dangerous characters. Cattlemen made Seminole a trading post from 1907 until 1926 when one of the greatest oil pools was discovered and Seminole immediatly became a Boom Town! One hundred thousand people swarmed into town. Seminole was on the Rock Island Railroad line and only the Chicago depot handled more freight as Seminole became the 'Oil field Supply & Service capitol of Oklahoma'. We suspect there was no shortage in the flow of oil, money, whiskey, or blood and George Pratt's jewelry company must have done well supplying diamond and gold jewelry and fine watches to the well heeled of every stripe.

Pratt Jewelry was well enough known that on Dec. 31, 1930 it was the scene of a robbery at gunpoint by two desperados - hostages were taken, women and children feared for their lives, trays of diamonds, gold jewelry, and watches were taken. The robbers then fled and gunfire ensued in the streets - one escaped in a bullet riddled car, the other died in a gunfight with police!

This clock survived. It is a great looking, in fine original condition, loaded with character, an artifact of the last days of the 'Wild West'.

Please click on the top picture to see more detailed views of the clock and more period photographs of Seminole, Oklahoma.

Dimensions: 31" high, 16 1/2" wide, 5" deep
Price $895.00