Antique American Clocks                      January 2020

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71.       $150

Atkins & Downs 8-day wooden works, 1831-1832.  A brief business relationship between Rollin and Irenus Atkins and Anson Downs; they largely provided wooden works clocks to George Mitchell, as indicated on the label in this 36 x 17-inch triple-decker clock.  The mahogany veneer on the case is a little beat up and there are some repairs on the edges.  The gesso splat is gilded but was overcoated with a dull gold paint; there are spots where the gilding shows through. The column capitols and the middle columns are gilded and overcoated as well.  The top columns have been repainted to match the lower columns, which look like they have the original finish.  All in all, a previous restorer did this clock no favors. The dial glass is replaced, the middle mirror original but broken; the lower glass original with only modest loss to the image. The wooden dial is quite colorful but has a lot of losses (“stretch marks”).  Hands are period and there are two old 8-day weights, and a good label.  I could not test the movement because it lacks a suspension rod; they can be obtained from TimeSavers cheaply. You’ll need one at least 20 inches long.  I would expect to sell a clock in this condition for around $250, based on previous sales of similar clocks by Horton’s Antique Clocks.  $200-$300.

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