Description

Ithaca Calendar Clock Co. “Small Iron Case”, 1865-1866. This was the first calendar clock manufactured by ICCC. It is small (19 inches in length) and mostly metal, with a cast iron-front and back and tin sides, all painted black. The only wood was the seatboard and the backboard (Warren, Ithaca’s Clock Makers, pages 48-50). The movement used was a Hubble 8-day lever movement, as found here. The ornamentation at the top, bottom, and neck of this example was painted gold long ago, and the centerpiece has been repainted, as most have. Both glasses are likely original, as are the yellowed paper dials. The time hands are unusual but are also old, and the calendar hand is correct. The lever movement is running like a kid and the calendar is advancing. The roller papers are very dark and brittle, again likely original. One sale on LiveAuctioneers, in 2020 for $3750 at Tom Harris; no sales listed on Antique Clocks Price Guide; Horton’s sold one in 2017 for $3100. $2500-$3500.

Record courtesy of AntiqueAmericanClocks.com