32.                   $250

Silas Hoadley miniature time & alarm, ca. 1830.  Hoadley is well-known for these miniature timepiece-alarms, but this one is unusual – with gilded half-columns on each side, and a gilded fruit basket on top.  The front edges of these clocks usually had three-quarter columns, in black, with bronze stenciling; the cut-out quarter-column was then used along the back edge, as found here as well.  There is no evidence of a different column having been present along these edges, so these are presumably original and as designed.  In fact, you can find variations to Hoadley’s three-quarter/one-quarter column design in these miniature clocks – he did not stick to one pattern, but I have not seen this half-column pattern before.   I would guess the gilding and paint on the main part of the columns has been refreshed, while the original gilding is still present on the smaller rings and certainly on the crest.  The back quarter-columns may be original paint, but there is no evidence of stenciling (there usually isn’t). The sides of the case are painted and may have been stained or grain-painted to resemble a lighter color wood.  There are two period/original carved pineapple finials on top, on wooden sticks.  There is the traditional diagonal mahogany veneer on the door frame, with a burl pattern on the crossbar.  The 27-inch clock stands on small paw feet in front and turned feet in back. Both glasses are period, but the putty has been recently replaced.  The tablet is original and in spectacular condition, with no significant losses or touch-up.  The wooden dial has been cleaned and is a bit faded, but the colorful spandrels still look good.  The three hands are likely original.  The 30-hour wooden movement, time and alarm, has ivory bushings, as noted on the label; it will run briefly, the alarm was not tested, but there is a weight for it (as well as for the time side).  There is a period pendulum bob and a good label on the backwall.  A beautiful and unusual example of a classic early clock.  $250–$750.