This decorative mirror clock is unsigned although it has a very distinctive movement which suggests the Maker was from Concord, Massachusetts. 221069.

This is a very attractive example. This clock has been very well maintained and restored over its useful lifetime. Mirror clocks serve two very useful purposes. Like all clocks, the primary use is to tell the time. The second service it provides is a wall mirror. The mirror reflects light ad can create the illusion of additional space. It also reflects the image of whatever is in front of it.

This case is constructed in white pine and features a gilded door that fronts the entire clock case. This door or frame shares a similar design that was very popular in American-made wall mirrors of the period. This frame is constructed with square blocks at each of the four corners. Decorative circular carvings are applied to the front surfaces of these blocks. The four linear runs of the frame are formed with split turnings. Applied gesso decorations on the shaped columns are in the form of oak leaves and acorns. These applied designs are positioned in the centers of the turned designs. All of this decoration was originally gilded and has been professionally re-gilded 50 or more years ago. This door is divided into two sections. The lower section features a period mercurial mirror that appears to be original to the clock and is in excellent condition. The upper smaller section is fitted with a colorfully painted tablet. This tablet is in excellent original condition. The colorful design is painted and decorated from the back and frames the circular shaped dial. The design features n harp in each of the corners. Colorful leaves are another prominent theme. Both the mirror and the painted tablet are framed with a repetitive gesso pattern. This is an attractive detail not found in many other mirror clock examples. The door will open to allow one access to the dial and the mechanism which is positioned behind it.

The painted iron dial is original to the clock and is untouched. It is mounted to two spacer blocks. These appear to have been replaced. The hand-filed steel hands tell the time. You should also notice that this clock has a brass hand that is driven by the escape wheel. This is useful as a visual aid. By watching this, one can determine if the clock is operating.

The movement is mounted to the backboard with a screw from the back. A small section of the backboard has been replaced. This was most likely done due to damage caused by remounting the movement. This is a very nice repair. The works are weight driven and designed to run eight days on a full wind. The rectangular-shaped plates feature a cut-out at the bottom. The keystone is designed to circle the center arbor and also the seconds bit. The steel pendulum rod supports a brass-faced bob and hangs from a butterfly-shaped bridge. The replaced cast iron weight slides up and down directly below the works.

This case is nicely proportioned, measuring 32.5 long, 16.5 inches, and 5.5 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1830.

Inventory number 221069.