A bench-made dwarf or Grandmother clock with a time-only weight-driven movement. 226049.

This decorative clock pays homage to the colonial form from the 1800s. Its design includes several sophisticated features found in cases made 175 years earlier.

This charming example stands on four applied ogee bracket feet. They are well-formed and mounted under a single stepped base molding. The base panel has a crotch mahogany panel with a grain pattern that radiates upward. The lower waist molding is nicely shaped and transitions from the base to the waist. The waist is pinched and has a rectangular access door with a molded edge that provides access to the case's interior. The upper waist molding flares outward to support the bonnet. Fully turned, free-standing bonnet columns or colonnades are positioned on either side of the door and visually support the cornice molding. Above this is an applied swan's neck crest supported by three capped finial plinths. Each plinth supports a brass finial. The bonnet door has an arched opening fitted with glass. It opens to access the painted dial, which is not signed.

This arched dial is colorfully painted in the manner of Spencer Nolen. Nolen was an important Boston dial painter who worked in the first half of the 19th century. He became the dominant supplier of painted dials to the clock trade. The four spandrel areas feature red and gold urns framed in a lacy, raised gesso pattern highlighted in gilt paint. The time ring has Roman-style hour numerals along a segmented closed minute ring. Both hands are traditional in form. A larger urn decorates the lunette, surrounded by additional lacy designs and green drapes or swags. The dial mounts directly to the movement's front plate via three dial feet.

The weight-driven works are made of brass. Four brass pillars support two rectangular brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The pendulum hangs from the back of the movement. When fully wound, the movement runs for eight days.

This charming case measures 51 inches tall to the top of the center finial. The bonnet molding is 13.5 inches wide and 7 inches deep.

I estimate this clock was made circa 1960.

Inventory number 226049.