Brewster & Ingrahams, Bristol, Connecticut. Four Column Gothic Top Shelf Clock. 2575.

This attractive clock form has many names. These include the Four-column Gothic Top mantel clock, the Four-column Onion Top, and the Four-column Oriental. This is a challenging model to find in the Brewster & Ingrahams lineup.

The Brewster & Ingraham Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut, made this excellent example. Its case is veneered in rosewood and retains a weighty shellac finish. Besides its distinctive shape, the case features four fully turned columns. Two are positioned on each side of this case. Above the columns are cone-shaped finials. These are in excellent condition. Usually, the tips of the finials on this model have experienced some losses. These have not. The access door is visually divided into two sections. The upper circular section is fitted with clear glass, allowing one to view the painted dial. This painted zinc dial is faintly signed, Brewster & Ingrahams, / Bristol, Conn. U.S.A." The lower square section of the door frames a frosted tablet. The heart-themed decoration is cut into the back surface of the acid-etched glass. Looking through this, one can see the brass-faced pendulum bob.

The time and strike movement is brass, eight-day duration, and of good quality. The brass front plate is die-stamped with the Maker's name. This clock is a striker. It will strike each hour on a wire gong mounted inside the case.

The Clockmaker's label is pasted onto the backboard inside the case. It is in excellent original condition. A Retailer's label is also pasted on the back of the backboard. It reads, FROM / FRANK W. STILLMAN, Jr. / DEALERS IN / Watches, Clocks and Jewelry, / Spectacles a Specialty, / CHITTENANGO, N.Y. / Especial attention given to Repairing."

This clock was made circa 1850.

This unusual case is 19.75 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 3.75 inches deep.  

Inventory number 2575.