Clock · Pillar and scroll clock

Samuel & Eli Terry Pillar and Scroll Clock

Partially verified

This 1824-1827 pillar and scroll clock was produced by the brothers Samuel and Eli Terry in Plymouth, Connecticut. The clock features a walnut case, which stands 32 inches tall to the top of its brass finials, with a width of 17 1/2 inches and a depth of 4 1/2 inches. It is equipped with a 30-hour wooden movement. The dial is reported as original and in excellent condition, while the reverse glass painting on the door is a replacement. The case design incorporates side columns and bracket feet. The clock is complete with its original weight, pendulum bob, case key, and winding key. An expert has verified the mechanical condition, noting that the wooden works can be sensitive to environmental changes such as humidity and temperature, which may affect operation. A repair is present on the right side of the case.

Front view of the 1820s Samuel & Eli Terry pillar and scroll clock showing the dial, reverse glass painting, and brass finials. — Diederich Auction Gallery (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Clock · Pillar and scroll clock
Maker / attribution: Samuel & Eli Terry
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 139
Source-reported date: 1824-1827
Source-reported place: United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Aesthetic Features

The clock is housed in a walnut case characterized by its pillar and scroll form, a design that features decorative side columns and a scroll-top pediment. The upper section is finished with three brass finials. The case is raised on bracket feet, contributing to its profile. The front of the clock includes an access door that contains the dial and a decorative reverse glass painting.

The reverse glass painting, which depicts a landscape scene, is noted by the auction description as a replacement. The dial itself, which features painted floral decoration, is described as being in excellent condition and is believed to be original to the clock. On the right side of the wooden case, there is a visible area where a repair has been performed.

Evidence for this section

“Walnut cased with brass finials”
“replacement reverse glass painting on the front”
“dial that is believed to be the original”
“There is a place on the right side of the case where it has had a repair.”

Movement and Mechanical Details

Internally, the timepiece is powered by a 30-hour movement constructed primarily of wooden components. This type of movement was designed by the Terry brothers during their period of operation in Plymouth, Connecticut. The clock is accompanied by its original weights and pendulum bob, which are required for the functioning of the weight-driven system.

Mechanical operation is managed through the use of a provided winding key. The auction description notes that the movement has been examined and is currently capable of running. Due to the properties of wood, the movement is susceptible to expansion and contraction caused by fluctuations in ambient humidity and temperature, which can lead to the clock stopping if these conditions are not controlled.

Evidence for this section

“Clock has wooden works in a 30 hour movement”
“Being wood, they can contract and expand depending on humidity level and temperature”
“Clock is complete with the original weight, pendulum bob”
“he has gone through this clock mechanically and it can work if you decide to run it.”

Documentation and Authenticity

The clock includes an internal paper label, which is described as being in excellent condition. This documentation helps attribute the piece to the working period of the Terry brothers between 1824 and 1827. The association with the Terry name and the specific construction of the pillar and scroll style are linked to their shop in Plymouth, Connecticut.

In addition to the provided keys for the case and winding, the auction house has provided a condition report based on an evaluation by an expert. This verification includes confirmation that the clock is complete and that its mechanical state has been inspected.

Evidence for this section

“an excellent paper label inside”
“we can date this clock 1824-1827”
“Terry brothers were making these pillar and scroll clocks in Plymouth, Connecticut”
“Dave Reffitt (Time Will Tell) is our expert clock person here in Winchester and he has gone through this clock mechanically”

Open research questions

What is the specific text or printer information located on the interior paper label?
Are there any identifiable stamps or marks on the wooden plates of the movement that confirm the Terry attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Samuel & Eli Terry Pillar and Scroll Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Samuel & Eli Terry	“Samuel & Eli Terry”
Date	1824-1827	“we can date this clock 1824-1827”
Place of manufacture	Plymouth, Connecticut	“Plymouth, Connecticut”
Case material	Walnut	“Walnut cased”
Dimensions	32 inches high, 17 1/2 inches wide, 4 1/2 inches deep	“Measures 17 1/2" in width, 4 1/2" in depth, and stands 32" in height to top of finial.”
Movement	30-hour wooden movement	“Clock has wooden works in a 30 hour movement”
Condition	Repaired right side of case	“There is a place on the right side of the case where it has had a repair.”

Visible details

Walnut case with side columns
Floral painted dial
Replacement reverse glass panel with landscape
Brass finials and bracket feet

Research qualifications

Repair present on the right side of the case
Dial originality is believed to be original

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1820's Samuel & Eli Terry Pillar and Scroll Clock with Wooden Works

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3193baa56d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.