151. $250
George Hills mirror clock, ca. 1850. You’re saying “Can this
be real?” and I’m saying “Maybe”. Mr. Hills lived in Plainville CT and made OG-mirror wall clocks like this one using marine
(lever-spring) movements made by others (Clockmakers & Watchmakers of America by Name & Place, Spittlers & Bailey). R.O. Schmitt sold one in 2009 (the only sale I can find) for $1100, so it’s worth a look. Hills went on to make dials, and the
Schmitt clock had a signed dial; however, this one has a Jerome-signed dial to match its Chauncey Jerome lever-spring 8-day, time-and-strike
movement (the Schmitt clock also had a Jerome lever-spring movement). The movement mounts upside-down relative to the clock
and dial, but of course it doesn’t matter in a lever-spring movement. The dial paint looks original, with only minor flaking,
and the signature appears to have been strengthened; the hands are proper and period. The case is 42.5 inches long and everything
except the backboard behind the movement is of 1850’s vintage. The mirror is certainly old, as is the dial glass, but I would
guess the latter is a repainted replacement. The clock is running and striking on an iron bell. There is no label to help
us out, and no direct evidence that it was made by George Hills. $250-$1000.
Antique American Clocks July 2022