22.                   $1800

Abner Jones Empire shelf clock, 1835-1841.  This is a “sloped cornice top” case style according to Russ Oechsle: Without Equal, The Clocks of Abner Jones; this clock is pictured and discussed in that reference and is designated Clock 5D, pages 95-98.  The mahogany-veneered case is 36 inches tall with elaborately carved mahogany half-columns on each side, a large brass door pull and a push-button latch on the side.  The mirror is original, the dial glass is old but may be a replacement.  The metal dial is attached to the door, with the inner dial pinned to the movement.  Both hold the original paint with good gilding, numbering, and colorful spandrels. The large, thick brass hands are original.  I did not remove the movement, but Oechsle reports that it is not numbered; it sits on two wooden mounts that may not be original.  There are two 16-lb weights to drive the clock, which is running and striking on the overhead iron bell.  There is no label, as is typical for Jones.  While this is a large shelf clock by current standards, it was the smallest model Jones made.  Abner Jones clocks are uncommon and always of interest.  This clock sold at Cottone’s in 2014 for $4000; AAC sold a similar model in 2022 for $2200.  $1800–$2200.