Benjamin Morrill Mirror Clock

Description:

Benjamin Morrill Mirror Clock, Boscawen, New Hampshire, c. 1830, the pine case with turned gilt and smoke grained half columns flanking the painted iron dial with Roman numerals inscribed B. Morrill, Boscawen reverse painted dial surround with fanciful foliage and looking glass below, eight-day time only movement with recoil escapement and iron weight, ht. 30 in.

The "New Hampshire mirror clock" was produced by many makers during the first half of the 19th century and are found with a puzzling array of movement variations. Morrill was perhaps best known and no doubt sold his movements to other makers. See Charles S. Parsons, Note: New Hampshire Clocks and Clockmakers, p. 363 for an identical movement to the present example marked "J. Chadwick".
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Minor inpainting on dial, looking glass and reverse painted table are original, age consistent wear on decorated columns, first surface decoration and finish.

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