Original acorn clock, ca 1847, by J.C. Brown, Bristol, Conn.
The label states, "Eight Day Spring Clocks, Manufactured By J.C.Brown, Bristol, Conn." This is the earliest of several models made by Brown, it is about 25" high with fusees in wood cones at the bottom of the case. The rare old clock is all original except for the bottom tablet and one hand. The tablet has been replaced with a thin piece of wood, painted a reddish color, and some early photographs glued on. That work was done about 1920. A new, correct glass can be obtained from one of the good glass painters but the last two owners, both well known collectors, enjoyed the clock as is. The upper glass with green and yellow trim around the edge is original. The old zinc dial retains the original paint. An effort was made to clean and/or protect the signature, but it is very weak. One hand is probably original, one is not. All the wood parts are original; wood side arms, acorns, base, and all the molded laminated parts. There is a small nick on the top. Good, original, and correct, paper label card, wood spools, and wire gong. The 8 day brass movement is signed "Forestville M.F.G.Co. Bristol, Ct. U.S.A.". I would not dare wind the springs-spools, so cannot say it runs. It is complete and the previous owner said it ran, but I would not wind the springs-wood spools to see for myself. We rarely see an acorn clock for sale, never the earliest models, they usually sell privately. The ones that have sold were later models, and generally had some problems. They bring $15,000 and up.
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