Posted 3 years ago
Doherty
(1 item)
This is a New Haven Clock Company cast figure mantle clock. I believe it is from late 1880's? It still works. Although I have not used it in a long while. It belonged to my mother who was an antique dealer in the 1970's. It's never been a favorite of mine but it has been taken well care of. The figure is Bernard ? Any help much appreciated.
Hello Doherty. Welcome to Collectors Weekly, Clocks! You're absolutely right. Your heirloom New Haven antique clock is after Bernard Palissy. I suppose Bernard is looking at some of his ceramic work. Your clock is from circa 1900 although your particular example could have been manufactured several years before or after that general date. It originally listed for $23.75 and was finished in Gilt or Bronze. Accounting for inflation, the clock originally listed for the equivalent of $782 in 2021
https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1900?amount=23.75.
Your clock has what is called and "Open Escapement" so that you can a part of the movement moving back and forth. The "Escapement" is what drives the pendulum as the mainspring's energy escapes through the top of the gear train after it has advanced the minute and hour hand.
If you decide to operate it, I would recommend that you have it checked over by a good clock shop. The 8-day mainsprings can store a lot of energy and the movement should be kept in good operating condition if it is to be used day in and day out.
If that answers your questions, please check the "Mystery Solved" box in your listing.
Thanks, and once again, welcome!
Bruce