Eli Terry & Son Transitional Shelf Clock. A stenciled column and splat. 220016

This is a very good example of a Connecticut Transitional clock made by Eli Terry & Son of Plymouth, Connecticut circa 1831-1832. This firm made wooden geared clocks. It was a partnership that that included Eli Terry and his son Henry Terry.

Eli Terry was born in East Windsor on April 13, 1772. He was the son of Samuel and Huldah (Burnham) Terry. He served his apprenticeship to Daniel Burnap until 1792. In 1815 he developed this Pillar and Scroll design and Patented it June 12,1816.

Henry Terry was born in Plymouth on November 2nd, 1801 and died January 7th, 1877. He was one of eight children born to Eli & Eunice (Warner) Terry. He worked in various clock making enterprises. Some of which included the firm E. Terry & Sons (1823-1831), E. Terry & Son (1831-1832), Henry Terry & Co. (1834-1836) and the Terry Clock Company in Waterbury.

This fine clock is often called or referred to as a “Transitional Shelf Clock.” It retains its original manufactures' label which is pasted inside the case. It reads “PATENT CLOCKS. \/ INVENTED BY \/ ELI TREEY. \/ Made and Sold \/ AT \/ PLYMOUTH, CONNECTICUT. BY \/ ELI TERRY & SON.” This Clockmaker’s label is in good original condition and can be found pasted inside the case onto the backboard. The case is mahogany and retains an older finish. Please notice how the case stands up on wonderfully carved feet. The columns are decorated with a stencil design. They are applied to the case. The top of this clock is surmounted with a gallery. Two plinths center a stenciled decoration of fruit and leaves. All the stenciled decoration found throughout the construction of this clock is in original condition. The door is divided into two sections. The lower section is decorated with a reverse painted tablet which is in excellent original condition. Note the opening in the design in the shape of an oval. This allows one to see the motion of the pendulum. The upper section of the door is fitted with clear glass. The dial is painted on wood and features gilt decorations in the spandrel areas and bold Roman style hour numerals. The movement is constructed in wood. This wooden works movement is weight driven and is designed to run 30 hours on a full wind. It will strike the hour on a cast iron bell that is mounted to the backboard below the movement. This fine example stands approximately 30.5 inches tall and was made circa 1831.