Antique American Clocks January 2020
73. $250
Jeromes & Darrow 8-day Looking Glass, 1828-1833. An early and uncommon 8-day wooden
works clock from the trio who invented the Bronze Looking Glass Clock (initially with a 30-hour movement). A 35-inch case with
a full-length door that opens and locks (ivory escutcheon) on the right. Two half-columns that run the length of the door and
an eagle splat; I believe all have been repainted/rebronzed, as they are just too nice to be 190 years old. The mahogany veneer
is in excellent shape with some chips on the sides. It appears there should be finials, likely pineapples, on the chimney caps. The mirror is certainly old and probably original, behind the original door backboard. The dial glass is original with the original
putty; the wood dial is clean and fits tightly between the mounting strips. The hour hand is original, the minute hand a later
replacement. There is a rough-cut dust cover over the top which slides in slots on both returns; note also the tall chimneys
to accommodate the pulley mounts for the 8-day (compounded) weights. At first I thought the cover was an add-on, but now I believe
it is original equipment. I went hunting on Antique Clocks Price Guide for another example of this, but could find only two
looking glass 8-day clocks from Jeromes & Darrow, and no mention was made of a similar cover. The wooden movement is frozen
and will need some attention if you wish to run this clock. The label is incomplete, but enough is there to identify the makers. The most recent sale of an 8-day Looking Glass that I can find was for $425 in 2011 at Schmitt’s. $250-$400.
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