Mahogany Shelf Clock by Olmstead & Barnes, Brooklyn, New York, dated 1829, with pitched pediment, free-standing columns flanking the glazed dial door over the painted iron dial with Roman numerals marked Joseph Ives, New York, removable veneered panel in the mid section and lower painted tablet of a three story dwelling with pendulum aperture, printed maker’s label stating in part, Directions for setting the clock in motion, and keeping in repair…Manufactured and Sold by Olmstead & Barnes, Brooklyn, Long-Island., modified 30-hour wooden movement of eight-day duration with iron great wheel, count wheel strike, pallet bridge scribed Barnes, No. 12, 1829 and iron leaf springs mounted in the base, ht. 27 1/4 in.
For an informed discussion of this experimental clock see, Kenneth D. Roberts, The Contributions of Joseph Ives to Connecticut Clock Technology, 1810-1862, pps. 85-6. The published and present example appear to be the same clock, although they are described differently and the maker’s label has deteriorated since publication. There are no other known examples.
Condition report
Condition: Dial is relined, signature probably added, painted glass is a replacement, losses on label, molded edge on pitched pediment and plinth caps are replacements, veneer repairs on dial door, and chips off lower door. Please note: Dial is a replacement. The clock probably originally had a wooden dial.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
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