Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Cantilever Spring Shelf Clock by Joseph Ives

Description:

Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Cantilever Spring Shelf Clock by Joseph Ives, Bristol, Connecticut, c. 1818, with scroll top, brass urn finials, turned free-standing columns flanking the painted wooden dial with Roman numerals, lower reverse-painted glass depicting a country scene, turned feet, 30-hour wooden movement with roller pinions, iron rod escapewheel and pallet bridge, countwheel strike, bell mounted outside top of case, lower case section housing a prototype of Ives' cantilever spring with 5 1/4 in. dia. cherry winding drums with cord attached to movement barrel and iron lever spring, ht. 27 1/2 in.

Literature: Kenneth D. Roberts, The Contributions of Joseph Ives to Connecticut Clock Technology 1810-1862, illustrates and discusses a related example pps. 40, 43-44. One of about six examples extant, Roberts states that "with the possible exception of a brass movement musical shelf clock reportedly made by Thomas Harland, this may be the earliest spring actuated clock made in Connecticut".

This example is marked in ink "12" on the back of the dial and along the front edge of the seating board; the top edge of the door is marked in pencil "74".


Provenance: Collection of Dick Babel, New Woodstock, New York. Exhibited at the American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol, Connecticut.

A related example is at the Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Scroll tips and feet restored by Sheldon Hoch, tips replaced and front surface re-veneered, lower painted glass appears to be the original although now unstable and with losses, veneer repairs on door, door lacking a lock, 1 3/4 in. top segment of object left beading near edge of door replaced, brass knob and escutcheon replaced, dial appears to be undisturbed.

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