An impressive Tall Hall clock originally retailed by The Cowell & Hubbard Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. 223026.

This impressive Hall Clock case is cataloged as the "Pattern No. 5." Originally retailed by The Cowell & Hubbard Co., a renowned clock retailer in Cleveland, Ohio. It features many of the Walter Durfee earmarks. Walter Durfee, a prominent clockmaker in Providence, Rhode Island, was known for reintroducing the hall clock to the American marketplace. He built his reputation by selling high-quality clocks that featured innovative designs. The clock's association with these esteemed names adds to its historical and collectible value.

This case is constructed in solid mahogany and retains its first finish. The surfaces have recently been cleaned, enhancing its wonderful period patina. This case design, made popular by Walter Durfee in Providence, Rhode Island, is cataloged as his Pattern Number 5. The use of solid mahogany and the retention of the original finish not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also indicate the clock's authenticity and durability. Durfee was not the only user of this case form. Other retailers are known to have used this beautiful case form. It incorporates numerous carved moldings and architectural forms. These decorations are artfully displayed throughout the case design, adding to its artistic and historical value.

This case is raised up off the ground on applied feet. The two front feet are carved in the form of animal paws. These powerful-looking paws have four toes with knuckles and toenails. A double-scrolled apron is positioned between the feet and hangs below the base section. An egg and dart carved molding transitions the base molding to the base section. Carved bell flowers decorate the front corners of the base. This base features an inset panel that is decorated with carved floral-themed carvings. The circular floral design includes bell flowers and ribbons. This circular pattern centers an applied carved medallion.

Both waist moldings are decorated with carvings. The waist section of this case prominently features a large glass paneled door. Seventeen individual beveled edge panels are used in the design. They vary in size and shape but are uniformly positioned and divided by wooden mullions. The beveled edges of the glass panels can play with the light in the room as it reflects on the beveled edge surfaces and the nine nickeled plated tubular chimes that hang in the back of this case, the three brass dive weights, and the mercury-filled pendulum jar. The arched door frame is nicely decorated with two carved floral motifs in the upper corners. This door is hinged on the right. The interior of these hinges is decoratively detailed. It has been said that these decorative hinges are a subtle Durfee trait. In some clock circles, it is thought that using these hinges signifies that this is an example of the highest quality offered by this Maker and that it is a step above the standard model offered in his catalog. The front corners of the waist display fully turned columns. These inset columns are shaped or tapered and are decorated with reeding and additional floral carvings. The sides of the waist incorporate additional beveled glass panels. These large windows allow extra light into the case and improve the visual appeal of the overall design.

The bonnet rests on top of the upper waist molding. The arched pediment, with a molded edge, is well-formed. The frieze is decorated with a large, expertly carved, and pierced medallion. A bellflower and ribbon decoration surrounds it. The top of the hood includes a blocked pediment that also serves as a mounting point for the two turned and carved wooden urn-shaped finials. The cornice molding is decorated with dentil work. A drop acorn is included in the design of the front corners. Below this is a series of carved rosettes that are positioned below the hood molding. An arched molding frames the arched-shaped door. This door is fitted with beveled glass. Fully turned and decoratively carved hood columns are inset into the corners of the hood. The carvings here feature a barley twist design and leaf patterns. The sides of the bonnet are paneled. The panels feature a pierced design. These are actually sound panels and are backed in silk. This allows the sound of the tubular bells to escape the case's interior more easily.

The bonnet door opens to access the brass composite dial. This dial design is complex and artfully designed. Made from heavy brass, it features gilt-raised Arabic hour numerals on a raised 12-inch silvered circle. The pierced vine theme center and corners are of the highest quality. The dial lunettes are engraved with country river scenes. The lunar calendar date is engraved on the arch above the hand-painted moon wheel. This displays the moon's phases. Both selector circles and the segmented subsidiary seconds dial are also engraved and finished in a silver wash. The dial plaque is engraved with the Retailer's name, "The Cowell & Hubbard Co., / CLEVELAND." The back of the moon dial is also die-stamped with Walter Durfee's name and the city location. All of this is excellent quality.

The movement was made to the highest standards and is a product of J. J. Elliott & Co. in London, England. It is of the finest quality. The works are heavily constructed in brass. The four large turned and shoulder pillars are substantial and support the two large scraped decorated brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The movement is a three-train design. It will keep time or run for eight days once fully wound. It is designed to strike each hour on a single tubular bell. Its extended length provides a deep and low-sounding tone, which is terrific. This movement is also designed to strike each quarter hour, a feature that enhances the clock's functionality and charm. The quarter-hour sequence is progressive and is played on as many as eight additional tubular chimes. These are graduated in size and hang in the back of the case. Each tube is die-stamped with Walter Durfee's die-stamp and patent dates. The operator has the choice of listening to one of two tunes. They are "Westminster" or "Chimes on eight bells." The Westminster chime sequence plays on four tubes and was made popular by the installation of the House of Parliament clock in London. This clock is better known as Big Ben. The sound is terrific. This movement is designed with a deadbeat escapement, maintaining power and grooved winding drums. The steel pendulum rod supports a strip and glass jar. The jar is filled with mercury and compensates for changes in temperature. All of these components are highly finished.

This tall case or hall clock stands an impressive 100 inches, 8 feet 4 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and a full 17 inches deep.

This clock, a testament to the craftsmanship of the past, was made circa 1900.

The Cowell & Hubbard Co. became Cleveland, Ohio's oldest jewelry store. In 1861, George Cowell and his son, Herbert, were working for Royal Cowles and took control of the silversmith shop. This business sold clocks, watches, silverware, lamps, and jewelry and was originally located under the Weddell House on Superior Ave. and Bank (W. 6th) St. In 1879, George passed, and Addison T. Hubbard, a jewelry salesman, joined the firm under the partnership name of Cowell & Hubbard. In 1894, Cowell & Hubbard moved into the 1st floor of the new Garfield Building at Euclid Ave. and Bond (E. 6th) St. This company became one of the finest jewelry stores west of New York City. The store soon moved into its own building at 1305 Euclid Ave. near E. 13th St. In 1964, Bailey, Banks & Biddle of Philadelphia acquired a controlling interest in Cowell & Hubbard. It wasn't long before the Zales Corporation purchased Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Under Zales's leadership, Cowell & Hubbard became a multimillion-dollar corporation.

Inventory number 223026.