Red-painted Pine Wall Timepiece

Description:

Red-painted Pine Wall Timepiece, George G. Brewster, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, c. 1834, the rectangular hood enclosing a white-painted wooden dial and brass movement engraved "G.G. Brewster, Portsmouth, N.H.," above the trapezoidal throat with circular cutout revealing the pendulum bob, on a rectangular box with mitered frame enclosing a reverse-painted panel showing a farmhouse, all on molded base, ht. 36 in.

Provenance: Roger Bacon, Exeter, New Hampshire; Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little; G.W. Samaha Antiques, Milan, Ohio, purchased in 1994.

Note: The clock is inscribed and labeled with the makers' names in several places. It bears two "jelly labels" typed by Nina Fletcher Little and affixed to the inside of the case, the first of which reads: "Clock works by 'Geo. G. Brewster,' 1797-1872, b. Portsmouth, where he worked at clock making until he became a dental surgeon. Brass plate behind wheel is engraved 'G.G. Brewster, Portsmouth, N.H. 1834.' Clocks by Brewster are rare"; the other reads: "Clock case made & assembled by Thos. Gerrish Furber, born Sept. 14, 1811. Married in Newington, N.H. to Eliz. Dow, 1837. Pencil insc. 'Madd [sic] & Warranted by T.G. Furber, Newington N.H. Clocks.' A desk signed by Furber is also known."
Estimate $8,000-12,000

The clock has its original surface, original painted tablet, and original dial. The construction of the clock is interesting - it would appear that the maker was inventing as he went along. Someone recently has installed a threaded bolt that more firmly secures the movement to the seatboard and therefore the case. The secondary seatboard has been patched where a break happened, and an additional piece of wood has been installed in the clock's throat, to prevent the winding of the weight too far up and preventing damage to the movement. None of this is visible.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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