J.C. Brown of Forestville, CT. Acorn shelf clock. This is the smaller of the shelf model forms. 223117.
At least three different forms share the "Acorn" model name. All of these have variations in case designs. Two forms are categorized as shelf clocks; the third is a wall clock example. This model is the smallest of the two shelf versions, with at least four variations of this smaller form. The more common example of this smaller shelf form features the same basic case dimension and shape. They differ in the style of their feet and the shape of the door moldings. This model has a molding that rests flat on the table surface. Another less common version is a little taller because it stands up of flared French-style feet. All of the shelf cases are constructed in a similar manner. They are constructed by bending multiple plies of wet or steamed wood over a form. The thin pieces of wood are then glued together and clamped tightly until the glue hardens. This is an early example of a lamination process. The use of thin strips of wood allows the builder to achieve this exaggerated shape. The outer pile of wood is traditionally rosewood because it exhibits an excellent grain pattern.
This is an attractive example. The case is veneered in rosewood and retains an older finish that has been rubbed out. The front of this case form features a door divided into two separate sections by a cross-member. This door is veneered in rosewood, and the surface is flat. The lower half of the door is fitted with its original reverse-painted tablet. This was painted by the ornamental artist William Fenn. The colors and detail work are quite good, and the artwork is in excellent original condition. The upper section retains its original piece of clear glass. This glass is wavy and includes a number of bubbles or imperfections.
The original dial pan is zinc. It has been restored in the traditional manner. Roman-style hour numerals indicate the hours, and the minute ring is closed. This dial is also signed above the Roman hour numeral XII, just above the time ring. It clearly reads, "J. C. Brown / Bristol, Ct. U.S." The time is indicated on the dial by spade-shaped steel hands.
The movement is constructed in brass. One can see the “Forestville MFG. & Co / Bristol CT / U S A" die-stamped in the lower rail of the front plate. It is powered by springs. This example is designed to run for an eight-day duration. The two coil springs are located behind the fusee cones. These cones are brass and are designed with a taper. They are mounted into a cast iron frame positioned below the movement. The incorporation of fusees helps make this clock a very desirable model. This movement is also designed to strike each hour on a wire gong. This coil-shaped gong is mounted to the backboard inside the case. The manufacturer's blue/green label is pasted to the backboard inside the case.
This fine clock has the following approximate dimensions: 19 inches tall, 10.75 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1845-1850.
This clock is inventory number 223117.
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.
