82.              $600

Wm. S. Johnson double-steeple, ca. 1849.  Mr. Johnson was a clock retailer in New York City in the mid-1800’s, located at various addresses on Cortlandt St.; the address on the label of this clock is 49 Cortlandt St., in lower Manhattan, very near the World Trade Center today.  Johnson purchased clocks and parts from various Connecticut manufacturers until the Connecticut Protective Clock Co. (a conglomerate of Connecticut clock manufacturers) refused to sell to him, eventually leading to the bankruptcy of his primary source, Chauncey Boardman, in 1850.  This is the second double-steeple I have seen with a Wm. S. Johnson label (AAC sold the first in 2023); there are no sales in the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide or on LiveAuctioneers.  The movement was made by Jerome but is not die-stamped; it is shown on page 81 (Fig. 163) of NAWCC Bulletin Supplement No. 15, 1986, The Story of Chauncey Jerome by Chris Bailey.  The 23.5-inch case is veneered in mahogany with an old, dry finish, four spire finials, and three old/original glasses.  Both tablets are in very good condition and were probably painted for Johnson, who preferred patriotic themed-glasses; they are a highlight of this clock and perfect for this sesquicentennial year.  The metal dial paint is original but with considerable chipping; the hands are appropriate.  The 8-day, time-and-strike movement is running and striking with reasonable enthusiasm.  There is a good label inside.  $600–$1000.