194.           $2500

Jeremiah Dewey miniature coffin clock, 1824–1831.  Dewey first worked in Middlebury VT but moved to Chelsea, in central Vermont south of Montpelier, in 1824.  In 1831 he moved west to Sandusky OH where he continued working until 1849.  He is known for banjo clocks and NH mirror clocks, but there are very few examples.  He designed a skeleton movement, as found in this clock, to save on brass.  The walnut case is 35 inches long with four original glasses (dial, pendulum porthole, and two small glasses on either side of the movement).  The signed dial is original with very old paint.  The small brass 8-day movement is time-only and is essentially a skeletonized banjo movement, driven by a cast iron banjo weight.  There is a metal weight shield and a pendulum tie-down.  A jeweler’s label is on the door.  The movement is oily but is running without issue.  Did I mention that Dewey clocks are rare?  Only one in the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide and one on LiveAuctioneers; there are four coffin clocks by other makers listed on LiveAuctioneers. AAC sold a Samuel Abbott coffin clock in 2021 for $2850.  My consignor has asked for a high minimum on this clock, and I believe it is warranted for this charming example.  $2500–$3500.