197.           $200

Welch, Spring & Co. “Lucca” ca. 1880.  The Lucca is one of the “Opera Series” clocks named after famous opera singers of the 1800’s.  Pauline Lucca was an Austrian soprano with a range of 2.5 octaves and outstanding ability.  The clock is 23 inches tall with a typically dark finish on the mahogany case. The three glasses appear to be original, but the pattern painted on the door glass is not original; the Lucca came with a plain glass or a gilded square pattern typically seen on Welch glasses at this time.  The three finials on top are close approximations of the original finials, which were quite delicate due to narrow necks.  The painted dial may be original, with a bit of chipping; the hands are not original.  The 8-day, time-and-strike movement is signed E.N. Welch and is running, striking on the nickel bell; note the three-vial pendulum that was used on some of Welch’s higher end clocks, including this model.  There is a black and gold label on the bottom inside, no longer legible.  This has always been a popular clock, with sales in 2021 of $250, $250, and $500.  $200-$400.