An attractive cherry case tall clock made in the northern Connecticut River Valley of New England. This unsigned example was most likely made in Chelsea, Vermont. 220074.

The Chelsea attribution is based on a similar clock with a dial signed by Nathan Hale. The Hale case and this unsigned example feature the same waist door design, including ovolo corners. Another interesting similarity is the columns at the four corners of the bonnet. The front free-standing columns could be considered slightly oversized. The rear quarter columns are robust and fluted along their length.

The woods used in the construction of this case are found locally in New England. The primary wood is cherry. New England white pine is the secondary wood. The case features a modern surface that exhibits a warm, pleasing tone.

This case exhibits narrow proportions. It is elevated on four boldly formed ogee bracket feet. These are applied to the bottom of the base molding. A cove-shaped molding transitions the base into the waist section. The waist section of the case is quite long and narrow. The access door features an unusual shape, with ovolo corners and a simple molded edge. Through this door, one can access the case's interior. Here, one will find the two drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. Fluted quarter columns that terminate in brass quarter capitals are fitted into the front corners of the waist. The bonnet is surmounted with a traditional country New England fret-work design. I love this pattern, and variations of it are known to have originated in this region. Three fluted cherry plinths support the frets. Each plinth is capped at the top and fitted with a brass ball and spike finial. Smoothly turned and fluted bonnet columns support the molded arch of the hood. They are free-standing and mounted in brass capitals. These flank the arched bonnet door, which is fitted with glass.

The colorfully painted iron dial features floral decorations in the four spandrel areas. A robin is depicted in the lunette. The time ring is formatted with Roman numeral hour markers. A dotted minute ring separates them from the Arabic-style five-minute markers. This dial also displays the date of the month calendar and the seconds in their traditional locations.

The movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. It is weight-driven or powered and designed to run for an eight-day duration. It will also strike each hour on a cast iron bell. The bell is mounted above the movement on a stand attached to the backplate.

This fine example was made circa 1800 and stands an impressive 8 feet 3 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It is 21 inches wide and 11.75 inches deep.

Inventory number 220074.

 

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  • An attractive cherry case tall clock made in the northern Connecticut River Valley of New England, An attractive cherry case tall clock made in the northern Connecticut River Valley of New England. This unsigned example was most likely made in Chelsea, Vermont. 220074.
  • Chelsea, Vermont cherry case tall clock door. 220074.