Spencer & Wooster Salem Bridge Empire Shelf Clock

 Up for auction is a fine and rare Salem Bridge shelf clock made by the firm of Spencer & Wooster, circa 1841. This is about the best example of this clock that I've owned. It is in beautiful condition, sporting a very old, possibly original, finish which has been lightly waxed to give it some depth and liveliness. Beautiful mahogany veneers with only minor chips along the base and cornice, typical of the wear seen on 170 year old clocks. Great free-standing columns with excellent carved capitals. Both door glasses are original, with the painted tablet being quite exceptional. It is a beautiful scene with vibrant colors, with only minor loss.The tablet is very stable.  Both glasses are held in with the original putty. The very top glass over the dial has a small 1" crack in the upper left corner. It is tight and poses no problem. The small lower tablet is a custom Tom Moberg original done on old wavy glass and in proper Salem Bridge style to compliment the original tablet. The color match is extraordinary. I've never actually seen one of these clocks that had their original lower tablets intact, probably due to the shock of weights falling when the cords broke. Most that come around have later stencils in them, even in clock collecting books! These are inappropriate and this is a proper restoration, and Moberg glasses increase the value of clocks. Dial and hands are original. The movement is of the proper type and is original to the clock. It has been cleaned and serviced and runs beautifully. A note about these movements: these are about the best shelf clock movements ever produced in CT. Unlike the rolled brass, machine-made movements of the era, the Salem Bridge movement is completely hand-made. They also have rack & snail strike systems, hence the term "repeating" brass clocks.  A work of art in the clockmaker's trade. The weights and pendulum bob are original, and the clock retains one of the original secondary pulleys (these clocks employ a compound weight system). The label is good and legible. It shows the printer in Litchfield, CT (who died in 1843). A fine and rare clock, and at 33.5" in height, quite impressive on a mantel or table.

 Back in my days as a dealer, I sold these clocks for 2K and up....but, that was then. Prices have come down quite a bit. It's a great time to buy.

I am selling this clock for local pick-up only. This would be a difficult and expensive item to pack and ship. Cash payment is required upon pickup of clock. Personal or bank check OK only if I know you. Bid with confidence. I have 100% feedback and have bought, sold, collected, and repaired antique clocks for many years. This is a great clock, all ready for a new home!

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