166. $250
Clarke, Gilbert & Co. hollow column, ca. 1841. This was a short-lived (1 year) partnership in Winchester, CT at the Riley Whiting factory. In a few years they moved their
business to New York City, presumably selling other manufacturer’s clocks. The column & cornice case is 28 inches tall with
beautifully matched flame/crotch mahogany on the columns, lower section, and the doors. The two upper glasses are original with
a well-preserved and unusual tablet, although this style of painting is seen on other hollow column clocks – see this example from
Hills, Goodrich & Co. The mirror in the bottom looks like an early twentieth century replacement to me, but the cardboard
backing appears not to have been disturbed, and it is possible that the mirror is original. The metal dial holds the original
paint in good condition, with light soiling; the hands are period and correct for this model. The 30-hour time-and-strike, weight-driven
movement is unsigned; it is clean and running and striking on a wire gong. The cylindrical weights are proper for this clock
and run down the hollow columns. The upper portion of the backboard is painted green and there is a nearly complete and legible
label in the bottom section. There are two sets of double wooden pulleys on top of the case. AAC sold two similar examples
from Hills, Goodrich in 2023 for $269 and $325. $250–$350.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025