207. $2500
Lucius B Bradley Salem Bridge shelf clock, 1823-1832. This is the same Bradley as with “Bishop & Bradley” who made wooden works clocks during this same time-period; Bradley is better
known for his 8-day brass movement (Salem Bridge) shelf clocks. Although I can find no other examples of Bradley’s clocks in
this case style, there are several examples by Heman Clark (see here, here, and here), selling for $3000 and up. The 26-inch
case is veneered in mahogany under a thick coat of varnish and “patina”, with a crackled finish; note the upper and lower delicate
columns on each side reminiscent of pillar & scrolls clocks popular at that time. The dial glass is old and likely original,
the lower glass is certainly original with the original tablet but is cracked in multiple places; it is now behind a thin piece of
glass that appears to be glued to the original to preserve it. The view is of an arched stone bridge over a road with a horse
and carriage approaching the underpass. There are some other interesting elements as well, including what appear to be streetlights
and two people talking – all in all an unusual depiction and slightly fantastical. The large iron dial is clean with colorful
spandrels; it has been restored by The Dial House. It is not signed. The hands are proper and period, the seconds hand
is likely a later replacement. The 8-day, time and rack-strike brass movement is unsigned; it is running and striking on an
iron bell. There is an embossed brass pendulum bob and two compounded 8-lb weights. The label is dark but complete, with
“Lucius B Bradley, Watertown (CONN) Warranted”. A cleanup to the case would make a world of difference with this handsome
clock; as noted, similar clocks by Heman Clark sell for $3000 and up (see links above). $2500–$3500.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025