J. C. Brown Ripple Cased Steeple Clock. 8-day time, strike. 226037.
This is a fine ripple molding case steeple clock. Good, clean ripple steeple examples are difficult to find. The Steeple form is less common than the Beehive form. This one is in excellent original condition. The case is veneered in rosewood and retains an older chocolate brown finish. The sides show a distinctive rosewood grain pattern. This includes a series of long dark streaks running through the lighter brown base color. The front of the cabinet is decorated with a series of fancy moldings. These three-dimensional patterns are known as "ripple" moldings. It is one of several variations used on clocks from this period. Two turned and shaped finials decorate the top of the case. Both are original and in very good condition. The front has a door divided into two sections. The lower section holds a paint-decorated tablet secured with wooden strips. This decorative tablet is original to the clock.
This is a tablet painted by William Fenn. The painted decoration is applied to the back of the glass. The gold background features an open oval in the center. Lacy silver patterns are painted in the gold fields. The four corners feature designs that are best described as spandrels. These are reminiscent of a tall clock dial design. The oval in the center is framed with a silver woven pattern. These silver details are now quite subtle. You may miss them if you do not look closely. The center of the glass features the Fenn-stylized eagle. The quality of work here demonstrates a high level of skill. Several colors are used in the design. The feathers of the bird are well formed, and thirteen stars are positioned between its wings.
The dial is painted on tin and features Roman-style hour numerals and a closed minute ring. The edges of the dial have experienced some losses. These are for the most part not visible when the door is closed. The yellowing is probably due to the breakdown of the varnish which was applied to its surface. The hands are original to the clock and are a delicate form.
The eight-day, spring-driven movement is made of brass. It is die-stamped by the Maker on the front plate. The works are a time-and-strike design of good quality. The clock strikes each hour on a coil wire gong mounted on the backboard inside the case. This example also retains the original Manufacturer's instruction label pasted inside the case on the backboard in good overall original condition.
This clock was made circa 1850 and measures 20 inches tall, 10.25 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.
Jonathan Clark Brown (b. 1807- d. 1872) was born in Coventry, Connecticut, and he came to Bristol in 1832. He was involved in many firms, including the Forestville Manufacturing Co. and the Bristol Clock Co. As a clockmaker, he experienced many financial setbacks in Bristol. He was instrumental in developing the Connecticut clock industry and was a very influential figure. An innovator, he was responsible for the Acorn clock and other notable case designs. Brown Left Bristol broke in 1858 and moved to Nyack, New York. He died there in 1872.
Inventory number 226037.
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.
