67.              $1000

Wm. S. Johnson double-steeple, ca. 1849. Mr. Johnson was a clock retailer in New York City in the mid-1800’s, located at various addresses on Cortlandt St.; the address on the label of this clock is 49 Cortlandt St., in lower Manhattan, very near the World Trade Center today.  Johnson purchased clocks and parts from various Connecticut manufacturers until the Connecticut Protective Clock Co. (a conglomerate of Connecticut clock manufacturers) refused to sell to him, eventually leading to the bankruptcy of his primary source, Chauncey Boardman, in 1850.  This is the first and only double-steeple I have seen with a Wm. S. Johnson label; there are no examples in the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide or on LiveAuctioneers.  The movement was made by Jerome but is not die-stamped; it is shown on page 81 (Fig. 163) of NAWCC Bulletin Supplement No. 15, 1986, The Story of Chauncey Jerome by Chris Bailey.  The 23.5-inch case is veneered in mahogany with a clean finish, four cone finials, and three old/original glasses.  The two tablets are notable for their patriotic themes, featuring an American shield on the middle glass and a shield and bald eagle on the lower glass, with a sky-blue surround. Both tablets are in very good condition and were probably painted for Johnson, who preferred patriotic themed-glasses; they are a highlight of this clock.  The metal dial paint is original but has been touched up, the hands are appropriate.  The 8-day, time-and-strike movement needs significant repair and will not run, the escape wheel is not anchored to its pivot.  There is a very dark label inside, barely legible.  Buy this clock for the beautiful tablets and be the only one on your block with a Wm. S. Johnson double-steeple.  $1000–$2000.