58.              $100

Atkins, Whiting & Co. cottage with alarm, 1850–1855.  This lovely cottage clock has a complicated alarm-type mechanism inside that looks like a Rube Goldberg contraption. The rosewood case is 11.25-inches tall with a clean finish and two original glasses, with the original dial surround and a decalcomania image of the U.S. Capitol.  The knob/latch is missing from the lower door.  The dial is original to this clock and holds the original paint, with hands that are probably replacements.  Note the winding ports at 4 and 10; the strike/alarm mechanism that should be at the ‘10’ is missing from the movement, probably because of the substitution alarm mechanism in the bottom of the case.  The 30-hour unsigned movement is running, the alarm contraption untested.  There is an embossed pendulum bob and a label on the inside bottom.  I would guess this alarm is designed to strike the steel bell at various fixed times, somewhat like a prayer clock.  If you are the lucky winning bidder you can wind the alarm and see when and how often it strikes. $100–$250.