93.      $750

Sylvester Clarke Salem Bridge shelf clock, ca. 1830.  This 32-inch Empire-style clock is not typical of Clarke, who is best known for his shelf clocks with elaborately carved splats and flat columns on either side. The mahogany veneer is in good condition here, with four original grain-painted columns flanking the doors and a cornice mirror (certainly period and very dark) and a center mirror that is a later replacement.  Note the two metal medallions on each side of the cornice. The tablet has been repainted on newer glass in a proper style.  The dial glass is original, with the original putty.  The dial is wooden, clean with a seconds dial; Clarke used metal dials in some clocks.  The hands are correct.  The 8-day, time-and-strike brass movement is running without issue, striking on a wire gong.  The unsigned movement matches other Clarke movements, which are uniquely his design.  The label is a bit roughed up.  This case style is unusual for a Salem Bridge clock, but I found two other similar examples, one of which sold at Cottone’s in 2018 for $500 (likely a S Clarke clock), and a very similar example by Richard Ward that sold at Tim’s Inc. Auctions in 2016 for $5400.  $500-$1000.