243.         $350

Terryville Manufacturing Co. candlestick clock, 1853–1860.  Silas B. Terry formed this company to manufacture clocks that used his newly patented torsion spring escapement, as found on this candlestick clock.  The 30-hour spring is housed in the cannister behind the movement; it drives the escapement which causes a vertical rod attached to the center of a horizontal lever-spring to rotate back and forth in a semi-circle.  A three-prong dumbbell with extended arms just above the lever-spring governs the rate of rotation (just as a pendulum governs the rate of swing).  You can adjust the lever-spring tension with pointer on the base, allowing you to speed up or slow down the clock.  The 4.5-inch milk glass pedestal is free of cracks and chips; the brass movement sits on a felt base that also supports the antique glass dome, with a total height of 10 inches.  The dial is paper with some wear and staining; it is signed “Terryville MF’G Co.” with “Terryville Conn” at the bottom.  The hands look original.  The back of the spring cannister is stamped with the maker, location, and patent date of Oct 5, 1852.  The clock is running nicely.  This was Silas B’s last big clock idea, but it didn’t take off like he hoped, and he left the firm after a year and went back to making pendulum clocks; he continued to work for another 23 years, including stints as General Manager of Wm L Gilbert & Co., Waterbury Clock Co., forming his last business with his four sons, the Terry Clock Co., and leaving this world in 1876 at the age of 69.  What an accomplished life!  Candlestick clocks are not rare, coming up for sale now and then, selling for around $400.  $350–$600.