J. C. Brown Ripple Case Beehive Mantel Clock. Forestville, Conn. VV-44.
Ripple pattern beehive clocks have always been collectible. There are a number of variations to the ripple patterns. When these moldings are applied to the front surfaces of the case, they are categorized as ripple-cased clocks. This example features four molding variations. The main pattern around the case perimeter is more relaxed than most. The other three are somewhat tighter. Almost all of the cases are constructed in rosewood. This example is and has been neatly refinished some 40-plus years ago. The surface is clean, and the rich formatting of the grain of the wood is easy to see. This case is considered the standard size. It measures just under 19 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. The door is fitted with two glass panels. The lower section features a glass tablet that is decorated from the back with an acid-etched design. This style of tablet was very popular in this case form. These etched tablets are somewhat opaque, and as a result, one can see the brass-faced pendulum bob swing behind it through the detail. The dial is painted on zinc. This dial has been professionally restored. This was most likely done when the case was refinished. It now exhibits some age. The paintwork was professionally done in that the time ring is nice and tight and the maker's signature is very well executed. The eight-day movement is brass. It is a time-and-strike design and is of good quality. Please note that this clock was photographed before the movement was overhauled. The manufacturer's name is die-stamped on the front plate. This movement is powered by two steel coil springs, and the strike is actuated by a count wheel. Pasted inside the case onto the backboard is the clockmaker's label. This is in excellent condition.
The clock was made circa 1840.
This clock is inventory number VV-44.
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.
