246.    $150

Marine Clock Manufacturing Co. 8-inch octagon “Kirk’s Patent” marine clock, 1847-1853.  This company was formed by Charles Kirk(e) and Eli Dickerman to make marine (balance wheel) clocks for use on ships.  The movement is unusual because it has two escape wheels, front and back (see photo), and an iron backplate characteristic of Kirk’s clocks.  Some also had a strike (not this one).  The movement is not signed but it is running easily.  The case is 8.5 inches across and may have been veneered.  The dial is 6 inches and mostly repainted, except for the signature “Kirk’s Patent”.  There is a pretty good label on the back noting the patent date of 1847.  MCMC was inactive from 1853-1857, and then resumed business until 1872. I could find only one sales example of this model, from 2001 at RO Schmitt’s, for $1200.  A rare clock.  $150-$500.