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145.           $150

E.C. Brewster & Co. spring-driven shelf clock, 1840-1843. Elisha Brewster worked with Charles Kirk and Elias Ingraham beginning in 1833; Kirk made brass movements with cast iron backplates, and Ingraham made cases.  This 23.5-inch case has half-round front molding veneered in rosewood; there are some repairs to the left side molding, including the door latch.  The dial glass is period, the surround has been repainted; the mirror is old but probably not period, and there is an interesting paper/cardboard backing to the mirror.  The metal dial has been redone in bare metal with a black dial and faintly visible flowers in the spandrels.  This was also seen on some Jerome clocks from this period. The brass 30-hour movement is unsigned and has the characteristic cast iron backplate and spring cups found on clocks from this group; initially they were using thick brass springs which were difficult to wind and considered explosive, hence the enclosed spring cups. I suspect the springs here have been replaced, as they are easy to wind.  The clock is running to beat the band and striking on the wire gong.  The label is gone from the backboard, but these clocks are easy to identify and not uncommon, typically selling for $150-$300.

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Antique American Clocks                     January 2023

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