169. $150
E.C. Brewster & Co. spring-driven
shelf clock, 1840–1843. A 21-inch case with good mahogany veneer and a beveled front around the door. Brewster marketed
several models of this shelf clock, more commonly with rounded sides. This one has a clean finish; note also the beveled
cornice. Both glasses are original, and the mirror is in outstanding shape for its age. The heavy zinc dial has the numbering
on bare metal, with the dial surround painted a light green with floral decorations in the spandrels. This style of dial was
used by Brewster. The hands are period/original. The 30-hour brass movement is unsigned, highly polished, and the springs
are enclosed in a cast iron backplate invented by Charles Kirk, Brewster’s shop foreman. It is running and striking on the wire
gong without difficulty. There is a period embossed pendulum bob and a pretty good label on the backwall. It appears that
Henry Yancey gave this clock as a wedding gift to his brother in 1841. $150–$300.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025