Coastal New England tall clock made in Saco, Maine. A formal mahogany case cross-banded in figure birch veneer. KK-198.

This case exhibits excellent wood selections throughout its construction. Clocks of this form have been more frequently found signed by Makers who worked in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Saco, Maine. These two regions share many design and construction similarities. This example is unsigned.

The case is constructed in mahogany, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The mahogany panels that front the case are well-figured and enhance the beauty of the form. Vibrant flaming birch veneers are used in traditional cross-banding applications. The cross-banded patterns are located along the base panel's outside edge and frame the waist door. In addition, the birch veneers are also applied to the forward surfaces of the plinths, which visually support the quarter columns. This decorative treatment has outstanding figure or graining and contrasts sharply with the primary wood's deep, rich mahogany color. 

This case is relatively narrow and has good proportions. It stands on delicately flared French feet. These transition along the base panel and form a skirt or drop apron. It is interesting to note the shape of this apron as it relates to many skirts found on chests constructed in this region. The grain of the base panel is oriented vertically and features a crotch pattern of veneer. The waist section is fitted with a long rectangular waist door trimmed with delicately applied molding. Finely reeded quarter columns flank the sides of the case. The bonnet features a traditional New England fretwork form. It is pierced and supported by the three reeded plinths. Each is capped and surmounted by a brass ball and spike finial. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns flank the string-inlaid door. The columns are mounted in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet door is arched and fitted with glass. It opens to access the colorfully painted dial. 

The bonnet door opens to access the painted iron dial. This dial is of Boston origin and was painted by Spencer Nolen, a prolific dial painter. This example features an urn in the arch surrounded by colorful swags and beaded trimmings. The spandrel areas are decorated with traditional themes, including large conch shells. This dial displays the hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar date in Arabic numerals. 

The movement is brass and of good quality. Fully wound, this movement is designed to run eight days and strike the hour on the hour on a cast iron bell. The bell is mounted above the movement on a stand that attaches to the backplate.

This fine clock, the KK-198, was crafted circa 1810. Standing at an impressive 8 feet tall, it is a testament to the rich history of clockmaking.