Antique American Clocks                      January 2020

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61.       $250

New Haven “Corsair”, ca. 1890.  This is an unusual clock in several ways.  I should note first that it is uncommon; there are only two listings in the Antique Clocks Price Guide and three on LiveAuctioneers. None have a New Haven movement with a visible escapement, as found here; none have this specialized New Haven Clock Co. pendulum. It has a ¾-inch beveled glass in the door, something rarely seen, but specified in the catalog description (see Ly, New Haven Clocks, page 317); the catalog makes no mention of a visible escapement movement option, suggesting that this may be a special-order edition. As with other visible escapements, access to the movement is gained through a back door with a metal cover.  The movement is signed New Haven on the back, and also on the inner dial.  It strikes on a cathedral gong and is running and striking correctly. The catalog also states that it has solid metal ornaments, but that seems to refer to a female figure that should be located on the top centerpiece but is missing here; the smaller side ornaments are wood in the examples online.  The 24-inch black walnut case has been thoroughly refinished and is complete except for the missing figurine on top.  Note the textured black covering on the back wall, held in place with gold quarter-round strips.  The outer dial is glossy paper with a black metal inner dial and the New Haven trademark.  There is a good label on the back.  There are no comparable sales records for this clock, but Corsairs with standard movements have sold for an average of $341 over the last 10 years.  $300-$500.

 

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