Papier mache clocks were introduced in the mid-i8oos when manufacturers were experimenting with new designs. After mashed paper was mixed with glue and other adhesives, the easily molded product was pressed onto the clock, sometimes with added decorations such as mother-of-pearl. Later, manufacturers used a method of painting and gilding on cast-iron cases to create an imitation called “iron mache.”
William S. Johnson, New York, black-enameled papiermache case w/mother-of-pearl inlay, eight-day time & strike w/winders below the dial, ca. 1895, 11×17 h. $750.
