Shelf Column

Antique clocks seem to run in cycles of popularity. These miniature ca 1854 eight-day cornice and column shelf clocks by Seth Thomas are so much in demand these days, that we can't keep them in stock for more than a week or so before they travel to their new owner. This little gem has a very lovely case and runs and strikes perfectly. The brass movement has been cleaned and adjusted recently for good continuing operation. The zinc dial was repainted and features the "S" ;"T" hands. (see photograph).

The Seth Thomas Clock Company was listed in the business records at Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut around 1860 when they produced this stately Federal-style clock with four free-standing side columns and a weight-driven brass 30-hour movement. The clock runs well and the colorful dial paint is original to the clock. (See photograph). The lower door glass features a reverse painted scene of President George Washington's estate at Mt. Vernon in Virginia. (See photograph). This is a very attractive and colorful clock that will grace any setting where it is displayed.

Some Connecticut clock firms did not make their own movements but purchased them from competitors. Clock hands, dials, cases and other parts were made by various Bristol, Connecticut firms and sold between the makers. Through the years, John Birge had over 14 partners although he himself was neither a clockmaker or salesman. Instead, he financed the makers with whom he was associated through the years. One of these many associations was named Birge, Peck and Company. Later, the three remaining partners of this firm sold their water rights, factory buildings and property to Soloman C.

Franklin C. Andrews established his clockmaking company in Bristol, Connecticut around 1850 and some years later moved the business to New York City. This handsome 'triple-decker' or "Cornice and Column" mantle clock includes a professionally cleaned and well-adjusted, brass eight-day weight-driven movement with a strike on the hours. The wood dial (with a few touch-ups),and the hands are also original to the clock. The door glasses include colorful scenic and floral reverse paintings with professionally- restored borders and background.

The Forestville Manufacturing Company factory was founded by J. C. Brown, J. Goodrich, L. Walters, C. Boardman and W. Hills in Bristol, Connecticut. They specialized in the manufacture of eight-day movements. Although they used various labels in their clocks, the company finally became known as the FORESTVILLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY. Later, the assets were purchased by E.N. Welsh and the company finally became known as the Sessions Clock Company.

The E. Ingraham Clock Company was founded in Bristol, Connecticut by Elias and Andrew Ingraham around 1827. The company operated under several names and partnerships producing many styles and varieties of shelf and wall clocks. This model was named "THE ARCH COLUMN No. 1" by the Ingraham Company and was featured as one of their better quality clocks. It includes an eight-day mechanism with a strike on the hours. The lower door glass retains its original gold-leafed design with a spread-winged Eagle pattern.

The Seth Thomas Clock Company manufactured this miniature eight-day cornice and column shelf clock in Thomaston, Connecticut around 1864. Little did they realize that almost 150 years later clock collectors all over the world would be paying $600-800 for one of them. Old Seth Thomas would have fainted in disbelief if you had told him so!! This little beauty runs well and features a recently serviced, and cleaned eight-day brass movement. The dial has been recovered on the original pan.

In A Rosewood Veneered Case. The Painted Dial Has Roman Numerals And Has Been Restored. There Is A Mirror In The Lower Door And A Brass Porthole To View The Pendulum. The 8-Day Spring Wound Movement Strikes The Hours On A Coiled Gong. There Is A Nice Label On The Back. H-16" X Width 11" X Depth 5".

The Case Is Mahogany With Burl Columns. The 8 Day Brass Weight Driven Movement Strikes The Hours On A Gong. The Dial Is Painted Wood With Roman Numerals. The Center Glass Is Repainted, The Top And Bottom Glass Are Original And Has JC Brown's House Pictured. Nice Original Label. Circa 1840.

The Case Is Rosewood Veneered With Some Patching. The 8-Day Springwound Movement Has An Alarm And Strikes The Hours On A Bell. This Clock Has The Original Dial, Tablets And Label. Height 17" X Width 11 1/2" X Depth 5"