A bench-made Rocking ship Grandmother clock with a two-train time & strike weight-driven movement. 223127.


This very decorative clock incorporates some of the most sophisticated features found in the period Chippendale tall clock cases made 175 years before this one. The mahogany case wood retains an older surface. The wood selections feature excellent grain patterns. Note the crotch veneered grain pattern used in the construction of the base and waist door. It also features an automated rocking ship dial. 

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 canted panels are framed in a maplewood line framing. The lower waist molding is shaped to accept this form change. 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 and are visually supported on inlaid plinths. A shaped waist door with a molded edge is centered in the waist section. The door is also decorated with a figured veneer. Waist doors provide access to the interior of the case. The upper waist molding is decorated with dentil molding. Above this is a light line banding. The bonnet is a swan's neck form. The arched pediment is nicely formed and terminates in turned wooden rosettes. They center a molded finial plinth. Mounted above this is an urn-shaped finial topped with a carved flame. Fully turned and fluted 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, which is not signed. 

This dial is colorfully paint-decorated. The four floral spandrel areas are framed in a raised gesso pattern highlighted in gilt paint. The time ring is formatted with Roman-style hour numerals along a segmented closed minute ring. An additional floral is painted below the hand arbor. Both hands are a traditional form. A lovely coastal scene is painted in the arch of this dial. Situated on the rocks is a lighthouse. The sailing ship is automated and moves in a side-to-side motion driven by the clock's pendulum. This automated display is a very desirable feature. 

The weight-driven works are 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 will also strike the hours on a bell mounted above the movement.

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 223127.

 

  • A bench-made Rocking ship Grandmother clock with a two-train time & strike weight-driven movement. 223127.
  • A bench-made Rocking ship Grandmother clock. Weight-driven movement. 223127.
  • Rocking ship Grandmother clock. 223127.
  • Rocking ship Grandmother clock dial. 223127.