237.             $750

E.N. Welch Masonic shelf clock, ca. 1870.  A rare shelf clock with a carved front depicting various Masonic symbols.  This was likely a special-order clock offered by E.N. Welch Mfg. Co.; it is not shown in Ly’s book on Welch clocks.  The carvings were reportedly made by John Haley Bellamy, a folk artist wood carver of some fame for his carved American eagles.  The 14.5-inch walnut case has a clean finish; the applied carvings show no losses other than a break at the lower left.  The lower porthole bezel is missing.  The painted dial shows considerable chipping, the glass is modern.  The movement is a 30-hour, time-and-strike lever-spring that is running when the clock lies flat; the bell is missing and so I didn’t wind the strike side.  There is a very good label inside.  The porthole is normally associated with a pendulum movement, allowing one to see if the clock is running; this model may have been designed for use with such a movement, and although this is the only clock I can find that has sold publicly, there may be others with pendulum movements. Do you know of one?  Let me know.  This clock sold in 2019 at H.G. Webber Antiques for $1000.  A second, similar model, also originally with a Welch movement (the movement had been removed), sold in 2021 at Evans & Associates for $1600.  Just for the case.  No clock.  This one comes with a working clock and starts at only $750!  $1000-$2000.