Antique 1897 Halstead Timing Machine 2 Bird Homing Racing Pigeon Timer 258/600
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:6819538 |
An extremely rare two bird homing pigeon timer. Number 258 Halstead Timing Machine, made circa 1897 for The National Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers, known today as the International Federation. The timer was designed in England with Fred Goldman (largely known as the father of the racing pigeon sport) procuring USA patent rights in 1897 and ordering 600 numbered timers. He then required all pigeon racers participating in a sanctioned Federation race to rent one of the 60...0 timers from the Federation.
This timer is exceptional as it has not been altered to reflect splintering of the National Federation into the National Association. Upon the fragmentation of the original Federation, timers were altered to only have 'Property of Homing Pigeon Fanciers' on them with the other lettering scraped off. These timers were used up until about 1909 as the Chas. Jones Flying Timer (1906) and the Buysse Timer (1902) proved to be better timers.
The pocket watches are from the Keystone Watch Case Co (Philadelphia). Although not tested, they appear to be in very good condition. The timer has the original glass cover with no chips or cracks. Given age and use, the overall condition of the timer is very good.
The above is a summary of research conducted on the internet and gleaned from the description of the only other timer I could find that was offered for sale in the past. This appears to be a true treasure of homing pigeon racing history in the USA. Timer is 4-1/2 inches long, 3-1/8 inches wide, and 1-1/4 inches deep (excluding the flare with the pin). Please ask any questions before buying. While the above summarizes my knowledge of the timer, I will do my best to answer. Thanks and God bless.
This timer is exceptional as it has not been altered to reflect splintering of the National Federation into the National Association. Upon the fragmentation of the original Federation, timers were altered to only have 'Property of Homing Pigeon Fanciers' on them with the other lettering scraped off. These timers were used up until about 1909 as the Chas. Jones Flying Timer (1906) and the Buysse Timer (1902) proved to be better timers.
The pocket watches are from the Keystone Watch Case Co (Philadelphia). Although not tested, they appear to be in very good condition. The timer has the original glass cover with no chips or cracks. Given age and use, the overall condition of the timer is very good.
The above is a summary of research conducted on the internet and gleaned from the description of the only other timer I could find that was offered for sale in the past. This appears to be a true treasure of homing pigeon racing history in the USA. Timer is 4-1/2 inches long, 3-1/8 inches wide, and 1-1/4 inches deep (excluding the flare with the pin). Please ask any questions before buying. While the above summarizes my knowledge of the timer, I will do my best to answer. Thanks and God bless.
