Original Listing Description

This is a slight variation on a "Jester Top" clock made by Pratt & Frost, ca. 1832-1833. It is currently working. Pratt & Frost, Jester Top 30 Hour T&S Wooden Works Clock, Reading, Massachusetts Pratt & Frost, Jester Top 30 Hour T&S Wooden Works Clock, Reading, Massachusetts Click images to enlarge Description Heritage Matters PRATT & FROST WOODEN WORKS CLOCK ORIGINAL CASE, MOVEMENT, & MOST PARTS 30 HOUR T&S CIRCA 1832 - 1835 This is a variation on a "Jester Top" clock made by Pratt & Frost, of Reading, Massachusetts. Make no mistake though: while labeled Massachusetts it is a Connecticut clock at its heart. Daniel Pratt, Jr. (1797-1874) and Jonathan Frost (1798-1881) formed a partnership in 1832; they dissolved the partnership and business in 1835. Interestingly, although Pratt used "Junior" after his name, his father was named David. He said that he added the generation to distinguish himself from other "Daniel Pratt's" in Reading! I have not found any information about the source of their cases, and the possibility exists that they were made locally in Massachusetts. However, the movements were purchased from Chauncey Boardman (of Connecticut), and the one in this clock is a classic 30 hour Boardman "groaner" movement. The case is a little different from the standard wooden works "half-column and splat" case in that the columns are slightly more ornate, and the splat is a slight variation on the "Jester Top." It has been refinished. Considering the shape of the columns, and that Pratt is said to have preferred nice veneer, this clock may never have had stenciling. This clock measures approximately 37 X 16.5 X 6 inches. The mirror in the lower glass is definitely period and may be original. However, its backing appears to be a thin piece of Masonite instead of a thin piece of wood. That may mean that the original wood was lost or had deteriorated beyond usefulness, or the mirror may be period but a more recent replacement. The hands, dial, pendulum bob, and weights are all original. The label is in readable condition though with some losses. The movement has been restrung within the past few years, and is clean, so all I did was to lubricate it in appropriate places. It is presently running and striking nicely. For safety, the weights will be shipped in a separate box at no additional charge. Though presently working, please note I sell all electrical and mechanical devices in "AS-IS" condition as they can easily get out of adjustment or even broken in transit. On top of that, I have read that when new, these wooden movements were expected to have a 20 year life expectancy--yet here we are, nearly 200 years later! You still have a 30 day inspection period during which the item can be returned or any reason--however it must be returned in the same condition in which I shipped it, meaning if there is damage, an insurance claim must be made. Please ask questions and study the photos carefully, as they are part of the description. By the way, for safety, the weights will be shipped in a separate box at no additional charge to you. Should there be a problem with your purchase, please contact me directly through the eBay mail system. I can and will do the same things directly that I would through eBay, and probably more quickly. NO RESERVE! MY PLEDGE TO YOU: no surprises! I will provide high-resolution scans; I will fully describe each item, obverse and reverse, positives and negatives, possibilities, likelihoods, what I suspect, and which is which; and I will provide as much historical context as I can. Now, I believe that the only people who never make mistakes are those who never say or do anything, so consequently, there will be times I am wrong. There, you are covered by my guarantee. MY GUARANTEE TO YOU: I guarantee each item to be genuine as described. After you receive your purchase, you will have a 30 day inspection period; and if you are dissatisfied for any reason, simply return the item (in its original condition) for an immediate refund of your purchase price. Furthermore, if in the inspection period, you decide to send the item for expertizing, I will extend the period until its return from the expert of your choice. If it returns with an opinion of not genuine, or of being significantly different from how I describe it, I will also reimburse you for the expertizing fee. And the ONLY exception to my guarantee is that I am not responsible for mishandling by the mail system, and any damages incurred therein. That is what insurance is for, and it is automatic on this item. Pictures sell!Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing.300+ Listing Templates Auctiva gets you noticed!The complete eBay Selling Solution. Track Page Views WithAuctiva's Counter (Condition: Pre-Owned)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.