Williams, Orton, Preston's, & Co. Brass works 8-day Ogee. Farmington, Connecticut. 221076.

This is a rare and very collectible Ogee-cased shelf clock with a pasted label of Williams, Orton, Preston’s, & Co., of Farmington, Conn.

The mahogany veneered white pine case is slightly oversized, measuring 31.75 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The top of the case is paneled. The veneers are in excellent condition and are richly grained. The original finish has mellowed and is now a subtle, pleasing color. It has been lovingly rubbed out and cared for over the years.

The wooden dial is nicely decorated. It is painted white and varnished over. The varnish has yellowed slightly over the tears. The decorations are presented on gilt. The corners and the center ring are decorated with applied gesso scrolling. The gesso raises the designs off the surface of the dial. The minute ring is closed. The hour numerals are depicted in a Roman style. The center of the dial has been left open, so one can see that this clock has a brass-made movement.

The brass-constructed movement closely resembles those made by Jonathan Clarke Brown. It is unusually well-finished. It is weight-driven and is a time-and-strike design. The time weight is 11 pounds. The escape wheel has 30 teeth. The pinions are the “bird cage” type. The staves, pinions, and escape-wheel arbors are nicely polished. This clock strikes each hour on a wire gong mounted below the works. A count-wheel actuates the striking system.

The pasted label is very nicely detailed. It was printed by Joseph Hurbut in Hartford. The label features a classical-shaped facade. It is designed with Doric-capped fluted columns that support an arch. The E.Pluribus Unum patriotic banner features an American eagle within the arch. The eagle is depicted with its wings outstretched, claws clutching arrows, an American shield, and holly branches. Below are the directions for setting up and operating the clock. In the middle is the company advertisement. This reads, “EIGHT-DAY / BRASS / CLOCKS / MANUFACTURED AND SOLD / BY / Williams, Orton, Preston’s, & Co. / FARMINGTON, CONN. / AT WOLESALE AND RETAIL...”

This clock was made circa 1838 and is considered an early example.

Inventory number 223327.