Posted 11 years ago
kjrap
(1 item)
I've had this clock for 40 years in my basement. Would anyone know anything about this. On the face of the clock it says Henry T. Brown Providence.
Antique Clock | ||
All items173205 of 244566 |
Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate
Posted 11 years ago
kjrap
(1 item)
I've had this clock for 40 years in my basement. Would anyone know anything about this. On the face of the clock it says Henry T. Brown Providence.
Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.
Create an account or login in order to post a comment.
This clock resembles some Ansonia and New Haven models. I can't be certain at this point but I don't think that it is from either one of those American Manufacturers. "Henry T. Brown, Providence" does provide a good clue. I think it may have been the name of the clock's retailer.
I found the grave site of Henry T. Brown from Rhode Island: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=27704079.
I think he may have sold the clock with his name "company brand" on it:
QUOTE:
Also in 1856, a distribution outlet was opened in Providence under the name of Gorham, Co. & Brown, selling
Gorham silver goods and other luxury items. John Gorham, Gorham Thurber, and Henry T. Brown were the
partners. This business continued until 1878 when it became Henry T. Brown & Co. and evolved into what is
today the Tilden-Thurber Co. :ENDQUOTE
See: http://www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com/Silversmiths/SSGGor.html
So we could assume that it is from around circa 1880 or so...
As far as who actually manufactured the clock is concerned, it has a European "Style" to it. Many American manufacturers tried to emulate the European style, specifically French clocks but I couldn't find this case in any of my American Clock reference materials.
In order to help identify your clock any further, please provide the following:
Any additional information printed, stamped or labeled on the movement, case, pendulum and key. This includes names, trademarks, serial/model/patent numbers and dates.
Do you know how often does it need to be re-wound?
Measurements of the dial and case. Please take measurements at the longest, widest, and deepest points only.
Well lit photos of the entire case, with close-ups of the dial, movement and any distinctive decorative feature(s) or labels.
Please note if the case seems to have a simulated or "faux" finish. It appears to be made of black enameled iron. Is it heavy?
Any additional provenance information.
This information could be very helpful, but it still may not lead to a definitive model or date.
Many records and historical manufacturing details were lost during the European World Wars.
P.S. This is an "Open Escapement" movement, also known as a Brocot Escapement. It was often found in French Mantel Clocks. Ansonia also manufactured many mantel clocks with Open Escapements. All else being equal, clocks with these types of movements are generally valued more by collectors.
And finally, your clock has matching side ornaments. These often get separated from the clock or damaged. Yours appears to be a very nice set. Thank you for sharing it.
Hi Bruce
Thank you for giving me all the information on this clock. I don't know what to do with it. I'm not a clock collector. I was thinking about putting it in a yard sale.
That's completely up to you. There's a lot to be said for finding a good home for a genuine antique but if you decide to put it on the market, you should take it off the C.W. board. Best regards