48.                   $100

E.C. Brewster & Co. spring-driven shelf clock, 1840-1843.  This 24-inch case has half-round front molding veneered in mahogany, a common style for Brewster at this time.  Both glasses are period, held in place with wooden strips, the tablet painted by Tom Moberg. The heavy zinc dial has the numbering on bare metal, with the dial surround painted a light green with floral decorations in the spandrels.  These dials did not age well but are common on Brewster clocks.  The hands are period/original.  The 30-hour brass movement is unsigned and the springs are enclosed in a cast iron backplate invented by Charles Kirk, Brewster’s shop foreman.  Initially they were using thick brass springs which were difficult to wind and considered explosive, hence the enclosed spring cups; I suspect the springs here have been replaced, as they are easy to wind.  The clock is running strongly and striking on the wire gong.  There is a period embossed pendulum bob and a label behind wax paper, with the lower interior backboard papered.  AAC has sold seven of these clocks in the last 6 years for an average of $152.  $100–$200.