A bench-made Rocking-ship Grandmother clock featuring an E. Howard weight-driven time-only movement. 222144.

This attractive dwarf clock exhibits quality cabinetry. This bench-made example may be 60-plus years old. The mahogany wood selections feature excellent grain patterns enhanced by the shellac finish. Note the crotch veneered grain pattern used in constructing the base and waist door. The clock also features several decorative inlay patterns.

This charming example stands up on four applied ogee bracket feet. The front corners of the base are canted. This design begins at the bottom with a lamb's tongue molding. The lower waist molding is shaped to accept this form change. The base panel is lined inlaid and fitted with quarter fans. The waist is long and narrow, enhancing the cabinet's proportions. Turned and fluted quarter columns flank the sides of the waist. These terminate at each end in turned wooden quarter capitals. A tombstone-shaped door with a molded edge is centered in the waist section. The door is decorated with a figured veneer, a lined inlay framing, and a half fan. Waist doors provide access to the interior of the case. The bonnet is a swan's neck form. The arched pediment is not only shaped but is also decorated with carvings. It terminates in turned wooden rosettes and centers a finial plinth. Mounted above this is a brass eagle and ball finial. Additional inlay patterns are incorporated in the frieze design. Fully turned and shaped bonnet columns or colonnades visually support the bonnet molding. They are free-standing. The molded arched bonnet door is also fitted with glass and opens to access the painted dial.

This dial is colorfully paint-decorated. The sailing ship in the lunette is automated and moves in a side-to-side motion driven by the clock's pendulum. It rocks gently over the waves painted behind it. This automated display is a very desirable feature. The four spandrel areas are decorated with florals. A dotted minute ring separates the Roman-style hour numerals from the Arabic five-minute markers. 

The weight-driven movement was made by the E. Howard Clock Co. It is constructed in brass. Four brass pillars support the two brass rectangular-shaped plates. Hardened steel shafts support the steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. Once fully wound, the movement is designed to run for eight days. It is of excellent quality.
The case exhibits excellent proportions. It is 57.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial.

I estimate this clock was made circa 1960.

Inventory number 222144.