James Cary, Jr. of Brunswick, Maine. Mirror Clock. The Humphrey family clock. 222069.

This very attractive Mirror Clock was made by James Cary, Jr. of Brunswick, Maine. This is not a "Plain Jane" Yankee version. This model has all the design elements one would look for in a fully developed form. This clock also has a long Maine-owned history. The original owner was Col. J.C. (John Campbell) Humphrey of Brunswick.

Mirror clocks serve two beneficial purposes in a colonial home. Like all clocks, the primary use is to display the time. Having a timepiece in one's home was a luxury that is often overlooked today. Imagine living in a house where the time is displayed in a single location. You would have to visit the clock in order to see their displayed time. As a result, it would be positioned in a place of prominence and also convenience. The second service this specific form provides is doubling as a wall mirror. The mirror reflects the image of whatever is in front of it. So while checking the time, you would also have a chance to review your reflection. Large mirrors like this one were still not commonplace. Mirrors were aslo considered a luxury. The mirror also reflects light, brightening the space and creating the illusion of additional space in the room.

It is easy to see where this case form gets its name. The similarity of its form compared to that of a wall-hanging split column mirror made during the same time period is unmistakable. The split column mirror became very popular in America in the 1820s. Even today, we see large numbers of them for sale in antique shops across New England. The opposite phenomenon is true of Mirror clocks. They can be somewhat challenging to find. Predominately, most of the examples we see were made in New Hampshire. Occasionally we see examples that were made in Maine as well as in Massachusetts.

This case is constructed in white pine. The supporting back structure is finished in black. This provides space for the mechanism and a mounting point for the gilded door that fronts the entire clock case. This pine frame retains much of its original gilding, which is in very good condition. The four corners are fitted with square blocks that are decorated with circular-shaped brass rosettes. These are held in place with pins. Running between the blocks are the concave-shaped linear runs. Positioned inside the runs are decoratively shaped split turnings. The centers of the shaped design are finished in black for contrast. Above all of this is an overhanging cornice molding. This door is divided into two sections. The lower section features a period mercurial mirror that appears original to the clock and is in very good condition. The upper smaller area is fitted with a colorfully painted tablet.

This egliomse tablet has been fully restored. It is in excellent condition and features a traditional design. The colorful design is painted and decorated from the back in multiple colors. The decoration forms a frame for the presentation of the clock dial. This is positioned behind the glass. To access the interior of the case, one must open the door, which is hinged on the right.

This painted iron dial is interesting in that it is a concave form. It is in excellent original condition. The dial is secured inside the case to the two wooden boards that are also designed to guide the drive weight down the center of the case. This dial is formatted with a closed minute ring, large Roman-style hour numerals and is signed by the Maker. The signature reads, "James Cary / Brunswick." Both hands are hand-filed from steel. These are three-dimensionally formed and are of excellent quality.

The movement is mounted to the backboard with a single screw from the back. The works are weight-driven and designed to run for eight days fully wound. The rectangular-shaped plates support the steel shafts and brass gearing. The steel pendulum rod supports a brass-faced bob and hangs from the bridge that is secured to the front plate. The replaced weight travels directly below the works.

This clock is nicely proportioned, measuring approximately 36.75 long, 21.75 inches wide and 7.25 inches deep. It was made circa 1820.

Inventory number 222069.