Description

Brewster & Ingrahams “Gallery Timepiece”, ca. 1845. These guys made gallery clocks in several sizes and many (all?) were gilded. This one is 26 inches in diameter with a 16-inch dial. The gilding is well preserved, the flat glass is period and possibly original; the dial is wood, repainted across the middle but it is well done and not noticeable. The signature is a later addition; the hands are replacements. The east-west 8-day movement was designed by Charles Kirk who worked for Brewster & Ingrahams in the mid-1800’s; it has a cast iron backplate with an enclosed spring (presumably brass). The movement is not signed, but a similar example without Kirk’s backplate is shown on page 70 of Ly’s book on Ingraham clocks. B&I used several different movements in these clocks, some with their characteristic ribbing. The clock is running without problem. The label has been lost. You can find similar examples on LiveAuctioneers, with recent sales at Schmitt Horan and Fontaine’s for $450 and $800. $350–$500.

Record courtesy of AntiqueAmericanClocks.com