Antique Ephraim Downes Clock

Price Type: auction
Sold Date: 1/1/2003
Pre-Sale Estimate: (subscribers only)
Sold For: (subscribers only)

Catalog Description:

Column and Splat, Transition case. Full label on the backboard, some of which reads, "Ephriam Downes, for George Mitchell, Bristol, Conn". ca 1826-1828. Mitchell was a great promoter and marketer of clocks, Downes was an early maker of wood movements.This nice 29 inch mahogany veneer case has been cleaned, not refinished. Some small nails were put in the base to strengthen, rather than using glue. The claw feet are excellent but not sure if they were always on this case. The stenciling on the half columns and the splat is still adequate, just a little dark. The chimney tops are rough especially the right one. Once had finials, none now. The top glass is original, bottom replaced. It was probably an old glass from this case or another, but has had some of the painting enhanced. It is actually very attractive.The wood movement is 30 hour, and runs perfectly. There is a nice wood dial, numerals have been enhanced many moons ago. Period and correct hands, weights, and pendulum. Part of the escutcheon has broken out, lock is intact and includes a key.Read "The Contributions of Joseph Ives to Connecticut Clock Technology, 1810-1862", by Kenneth D. Roberts, pages 87-88; and "Eli Terry & the Connecticut Shelf Clock"; by Kenneth D. Roberts & Snowden Taylor, pages 208-219.

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