J. C. Brown Ripple Case Beehive Mantel Clock made in Forestville, Connecticut. This clock features an eight-day time and strike movement, as well as an alarm. 224059.
This Beehive mantel clock is a special example of a popular form. The case is decorated with a series of ripple-shaped moldings. The name "ripple" is derived from the shaping of the applied moldings, and this particular example showcases five distinct variations. This clock, despite showing evidence of being well used, was well cared for and not abused. The mahogany case still retains its original surface, which is in remarkable condition, a testament to its quality and durability over the years. Have a look at the sides of the case. Notice how the finish is darker at the top. It lightens as you move down to the vertical surfaces, which would not have had the same exposure to the ambient elements in the room that is serviced.
J. C. Brown was a pioneer in Connecticut clock manufacturing. He is credited with popularizing this ripple formatting. Collectors today eagerly seek out these examples compared to the more common half-round case formats of the period.
The access door is fitted with two glass panels. The lower section features a glass tablet decorated on the back with a hand-colored transfer. This style of tablet was very popular in this case form.
The historical scene depicted here is of the Mclean Asylum in Somerville, Massachusetts. This was the former Joseph Barrell country estate that included 18 acres of land on Cobble Hill. The depiction of this estate, originally built by the renowned Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, is a testament to the clock's historical significance. After Barrell's death, the hospital trustees purchased the property and renovated it with the assistance of Bulfinch and his understudy, Matthew Paris. They designed the conversion from a residence to a Hospital. The hospital's purpose was to treat physical and mental illnesses. Due to the encroachment of the railroads and the commerce the canal brought to the area, the hospital was relocated to Belmont, MA in 1875. Several institutional buildings are depicted, along with the canal and a railroad line. Commerce is also represented by the figures in the boats and on the riverbanks—a pile of logs stacked and ready for transport.
The glass in the upper section of the door is clear. It protects the dial. This is original to the clock and is signed "J. C. Brown / Forestville, Ct.". The dial is painted on tin and features a closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. Open diamond hands display the time. An opening in the center of the dial is filled with the brass alarm disk used to set the clock's alarm.
The eight-day movement is brass. (It is pictured here below servicing.) It is a time-and-strike design and is of good quality. The manufacturer's name is die-stamped on the front plate. Two steel coil springs drive this movement, and a count wheel actuates the strike. The hour strike is sounded on a wire gong mounted inside the case. This clock also features an alarm. The alarm mechanism is mounted inside the case. It is set from the brass disk in the center of the dial.
Pasted inside the case onto the backboard is the Clockmaker's label, which is in good overall condition and lists information about the Company that made the clock, as well as instructions on its operation.
This clock, a piece of history frozen in time, was made circa 1840.
This case is considered the standard size. It measures just under 19 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.
Inventory number 224059.
Jonathan Clark Brown was born in Coventry, Connecticut, on October 8, 1807, the son of Jonathan Clark and Sophia (Bingham) Brown. He came to Bristol in 1832. Brown was a case maker or joiner and, over his lifetime, was involved in many firms, including The Forestville Manufacturing Co. and the Bristol Clock Co. He was an instrumental and very influential figure and developing the Connecticut clock industry. An innovator, he was responsible for the case design of the very collectible "Acorn" clock and the octagon case with rounded corners and other interesting case designs. As a clockmaker, he experienced many financial setbacks in Bristol. He left Bristol broke in 1858 and moved to Nyack, New York. He died there in 1872.
For a more in-depth overview of his life, please read Kenneth D. Roberts and Snowden Taylor's book, Jonathan Clark Brown and the Forestville Manufacturing Company.
