This street clock was made by Joseph Mayer & Brothers Company, a watchmaking and wholesale jewelry business begun in Seattle in 1897. Founded by German immigrants Markus (1878-1950), Albert (1872-1929), Emil (1881-), Herman, & Joseph (1868-1937) Mayer, the company existed in various form until 1991. About 100 Mayer street clocks were produced between 1909-1930, often placed in front of jewelers or watchmakers. As of 2014, 15 of the 46 confirmed Mayer clocks in Seattle survive.
This clock was made for Frank Briggs, Jeweler, at 1402 First Avenue. The view of this image is of the northeast corner of First Avenue and Union Street in downtown Seattle. Chicago Misfit Parlors is visible at 1400 First Avenue; the building is still standing.
Austin Seward (1885-1974) worked as a local photographer in the early 1920s for Pierson's studio, a commercial photography firm that took pictures for Mayer Brothers.
Handwritten on negative: Jos Mayer & Bros. Business in image: Hotel Savoy; Hotel Burke; Chicago Misfit Parlors Photographer's number: 186
Caption information source: http://www.shiawasseehistory.com/mayer.html
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on linen : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv46755
