An inlaid mahogany case tall clock featuring a painted dial with a lunar calendar.

This impressive tall case clock is veneered in figured mahogany and is decorated with numerous inlay patterns. It was most likely made in Boston, Massachusetts circa 1805.

This case is constructed on a grand scale measuring approximately 107 inches or 8 feet 11 inches tall to the top of the center finial. Clocks constructed to this dimension are not common and often loose something in their proportions. This clock retains the traditional Boston form. It is sleek and narrow. The proportions are excellent.

The base is elevated of the floor on four ogee bracket feet. These are well formed and are applied to the bottom of the double step molding. The double step molding is interesting in that it features a complex pattern inlaid across the middle of the molding. The front of the base panel is veneered in an unusual pattern. Centered is an oval that features a highly figured selection of mahogany. The framing is this oval features light line inlay and four large triangular selections of veneer. The long side of the triangle forms the the outer edge of the panel. The waist is long and narrow. It features a rectangular shaped waist door, brass stop fluted quarter columns and decorative inlaid flaming birch panel under each quarter column and one is positioned above the waist door. The door provides access to the interior of the case where one will find a brass covered pendulum bob and two drive weights. This door is fitted with an applied molding along the outer edge. The center of the door is veneered with a figured panel of mahogany and the outer edge is cross banded. A number of line inlay patterns are exhibited in this section. Some of which are quite complex. This is also true of the hood section. The bonnet features an open fretwork design that is surmounted with three cast brass finials. The finials are and urn form and are each fitted with an eagle. The supporting plinths are inlaid with panels. Each is also fitted with a cap at the top. Fully turned and brass stop fluted bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding. These are mounted in brass capitals and flank the bonnet or hood door. The arched bonnet door is decoratively line inlaid. I am particularly fond of the bell flower design. The door opening is fitted with glass.

ThIs colorfully painted iron dial was manufactured in England by the Wilson firm. It is fitted with a false plate and is signed at the top. The dial is oversized measuring 13 inches across and 18.5 inches in height. In the arch of this dial one will find the automated feature of a moon phase or lunar calendar. The four spandrel areas are decorated with colorfully florals. The hours are indicated by large Roman style numerals. The five minute markers are each indicated in an Arabic format. A subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar dial are displayed in the traditional locations an indicated by separate hands.

The weight driven movement is constructed in brass and is good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run eight days on a full wind. It is a two train or a time and strike design having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell which is mounted above the movement.

This wonderful clock was made circa 1805 and stands approximately 8 feet 11 inches (107 inches) tall to the top of the center finial. This is a very impressive height.