A full striking Lyre Wall Clock. Boston origin, unsigned. 224121.

Striking Lyre Clocks are seldom seen in today's marketplace. Their scarcity, with only a few surfacing annually, hints at their historical significance and the premium they once commanded compared to simpler timepieces.

This example is nicely proportioned and presents a graceful presence on the wall. This form gets its name from the lyre or harp shape exhibited in the case's throat section. The design resembles the general shape of a musical harp or lyre instrument. This musical motif became very popular sometime around 1825. It is so popular that it is incorporated in a number of furniture forms, including chairs, tables, and mirrors of the period. The clockmaking partnership of Sawin & Dyar made many Lyre clocks. John Sawin is often credited for producing the first American Lyre clock in Boston.

This attractive example features a mahogany case. The frames, finials, and presentation bracket are presented in an enhanced gilt and gold-painted finish. The decorated frames support the matched set of reproduction tablets. They are painted from the back in pleasing colors and feature traditional themes. These are skillfully painted and are older replacements. The lower box frame is fitted with applied rope molding. The tablet it supports is decorated with twin cornucopia, fruit, and an American Eagle. It is titled "E. PLUIBUS UNUM" in the banner. The lyre-shaped frame is decorated with acanthus-themed carvings. These are well-executed and nicely shaped. This glass is decorated with two additional cornucopias and several full-length harp strings. The brass dial bezel is fitted with glass that protects the dial. Mounted to the case above the bezel is a shaped mahogany finial plinth. Mounted to this is an acorn-shaped wooden finial.

The painted iron dial features a closed, segmented minute ring and Roman-style hour numerals, which mark the hours in a traditional format. Finely made arrow-pointed steel hands display the time.

The movement is constructed in brass and features a full-striking train. This weight-driven clock is designed to run eight days on a full wind and strike each hour on the hour on a bell. The bell is mounted on a stand above the movement inside the case. The strike is actuated by a rack-and-snail striking system that is mounted on the front plate. Please note that the plates of this movement are rounded at the top. They are held together with four posts. The teeth on the brass gearing are deeply cut. The brass-faced pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted at the top of the front plate. Both cast lead weights are original to this clock.

This clock, a product of its time, was crafted circa 1825. It stands as a tangible link to a bygone era, a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the past.

The overall height of this clock is approximately 39.5 inches long.

Inventory number 224121.