Wall Acorn Clock. Forestville Manufacturing Company, Bristol, Connecticut. 216096.

This can be a very difficult form to find in the marketplace. It is often referred to as a “Wall Acorn” or a “Connecticut Lyre,” and this example was made by the Forestville Manufacturing Company in Bristol, Connecticut. We have also seen a few examples signed with the “J. C. Brown” name occasionally. 

The form is wild. The shapely formed case is designed with deep cove moldings, long sweeping curves, and a drop pediment. This example is veneered with figured mahogany and retains an older finish that has been nicely rubbed out. The color is a deep rich brown. The lower door is laminated. It is constructed by using eight individual strips of wood glued together to achieve the shape. It is fitted with a colorfully painted tablet. A very skilled artist has professionally repainted this tablet. The form is correct, and the colors are vibrant. The upper door features a half-rounded molding design. This is also fitted with glass that protects the dial. The zinc dial is colorfully painted. Large floral patterns are located in each corner or spandrel areas. The dial also displays the time with a closed minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals. The spring-driven, brass-constructed time-only movement is key wound. It is designed to run for 8 days on a full wind. This is a timepiece. The front plate is die-stamped “FORESTVILLE MFG / BRISTOL, CONN, / U. S. A.” The pendulum swings in the front of the movement. The brass-covered bob can be seen through the design painted on the lower glass. The movement is mounted to a seat-board. It is also mounted to the backboard with a wooden cleat. The backboard retains much of the original blue paper that was originally pasted to it. 
This unusual clock measures 28 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 3.25 inches deep.

Inventory number 216096.