Antique American Clocks                      January 2021

154.     $250

EC Brewster shelf clock, 1837.  This 19-inch case has a great burl veneer on the front that may be at least a partial replacement, as there is barely a nick to be found.  Both glasses are old and the dial glass appears to be original and is puttied in.  The lower Fenn decoration is a replacement.  The dial board is wood, old, and has some losses at the 3.  The hands are old as well, but the movement appears not to be; I suspect it is a modern replacement and is signed “No. 3417”.  It has an unusual rack strike mechanism and is connected to two remote fusees that are brightly polished, as is the old pendulum bob.  There is no label, although it appears that there was one on the back wall at one time.  I’m at a loss as to who might have made this clock, but it is quite handsome.  $250-$500.

UPDATE:  After posting this clock on the facebook page I got some great advice from Jim DuBois and Steve Petrucelli, who strongly suggest that this is an E.C. Brewster clock.  Brewster used serial numbers on his movements, and fusees. 

FURTHER UPDATE:  Jim Price informed me of an NAWCCBulletin article by Tom Grimshaw and Snowden Taylor that allows one to date movements by serial numbers.  This clock thus dates to 1837.  Thanks Jim!

FINAL UPDATE:  With knowledge of the maker, I note that this clock sold at Skinner's in 2009 for $1300.