Rare "Hollow Column" column and splat clock, Austin Chittendon, Lexington, Mass, c. 1831-37
"Clocks Manufactured & Sold By Austin Chittenden, Lexington, Mass", ca 1831-1837, as copied from the very nice full label. This old clock has a 30 hour wood movement, which is a Terry type, striking on an iron bell. The case is a rare "Hollow Column" with a pair of correct round iron weights that descend thru the hollow columns. Period pendulum, hands, and a great old wood dial that has been professionally touched up in places where problems probably existed. The clock is functioning as designedA rather unusual case standing 34 inches high, made of mahogany veneer. The veneer on the hollow columns swirls and turns the same on each column. I see only a couple of tiny corner nicks, no repairs or new veneer is evident. Carved eagle splat has been broken and glued. The putty around the two top glasses is original, bottom glass replaced with a good reverse painting. Not of Moberg quality. Bottom door has brass escutcheon and working lock and key. Not much information available on Chittenden. Reference-"The American Clock", Diston & Bishop, page 140, and "The Book of American Clocks", Brooks Palmer, page 168.
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