Antique Daniel Pratt Jr. Reading MA Wooden Works Shelf Clock c.1840 For Sale

Antique early American Daniel Pratt Jr. shelf clock, manufactured and sold in Reading, Massachusetts, dating to approximately the 1840s. This is a large early weight-driven shelf clock with a traditional mahogany/mahogany-veneered case, turned side columns, wooden clock movement, pendulum, weights, and surviving maker\'s paper label inside the case.

The original interior paper label is still present and reads in part:

“EXTRA CLOCKS”
“Manufactured and Sold”
“DAN\'L PRATT, Jr.”
Reading, Mass.

Daniel Pratt Jr. was an early Massachusetts clockmaker and dealer known for clocks using wooden movements during the first half of the 19th century.

• Early American wooden-works movement
• Weight-driven time and strike mechanism
• Large wooden gearing
• Brass escape wheel
• Pendulum and suspension components present
• Two hanging weights
• Mahogany / mahogany-veneered case
• Turned side columns
• Shaped upper crest
• Original Daniel Pratt Jr. paper maker\'s label
• Painted metal Roman-numeral dial included

The 8 x 8-inch painted metal dial shown in the photographs was found with the clock and is included. It is presently detached. It has Roman numerals, decorative green corner designs, two winding openings, and considerable age-related paint loss. The lower decorative glass/panel depicts the “Birthplace of Old Glory” / Betsy Ross House. This panel appears to be a later replacement or alteration and is not believed to date from the original circa-1840 manufacture of the clock.

This clock is being offered in as-found, unrestored condition. There is substantial age-related wear throughout, including scratches, finish wear, dust, surface oxidation, losses to the dial paint, deterioration to the interior paper label, and other signs of age and long-term storage. The dial is detached and will need to be properly installed or restored. The decorative lower panel is believed to be a later replacement. The movement has not been tested for running accuracy or striking function. No attempt has been made to clean, oil, adjust, or restore the wooden movement.

Because this clock is approximately 180 years old, it is being sold AS-IS for restoration, collection, display, or study. No guarantee is made regarding completeness, originality of every component, running condition, timekeeping accuracy, or striking operation. Please examine all photographs carefully. They are an important part of the description and show the actual clock, movement, dial, label, weights, pendulum, and condition.