76.              $1200

J. C. Brown miniature ripple-front steeple, 1842-1849.  A 16-inch case with rosewood veneer on the sides and ripple trim on the front.  The tip of the left finial is missing.  Both glasses appear to be original, the frosted tablet in good condition with some soiling.  The dial holds the original paint and signature of Mr. Brown; the hands are likely original.  The signed 30-hour time-and-strike movement is running but striking reluctantly.  A good label inside from the period when Brown was working on his own.  Cottone’s sold a miniature ripple-front steeple last fall for $1700.  $1200–$1700.