261.     $50

J.C. Brown “Circus Tent” iron-front, ca. 1850.  This is the most highly valued iron-front by Mr. Brown, often bringing up to $2000.  My consignor and I are looking to break $100 on this one.  Obviously, the finish is in very bad shape.  The bezel is missing, and the lower bezel is shot.  The paper dial is irredeemable.  On the positive side, the hands are original.  Also on the plus side, the 8-day, time-and-strike movement is signed “J.C. Brown | Forestville CT | USA” and is running and striking a wire gong.  No label.  $50-$150.