Description
Condition: we are unsure who made these for Merritts in PA, however, we have seen a half dozen or so in the last 20 years, and most can be traced to Merritts. The craftsman used Connecticut front mount tambour or black mantle movements, soldered a wire onto the verge, and just like on a rocking ship, ran the wire up the case and taped on a pair of eyes. The eyes have a robust motion and Mona is really busy looking around. The print of Mona Lisa is likely unauthorized, brushed over with varnish to give it a painted look, and with a gilt dial on her dress and upper chest. I'm surprised the Chinese have not started making these. Ht of frame 20.5
Record courtesy of R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts