This inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made just South of Boston, Massachusetts. 225032.

This clock case, closely related to cabinets produced by the Badlam workshop in Dorchester's Lower Mills, is a unique piece of history. Several cabinetmakers, including the most successful Abiel White, moved away after completing their required apprenticeship. The quality of the cabinetry, not only first-rate but also complex, is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of that shop. The case is supported on four delicate applied French feet, each designed with a subtle flare and spur. A linear reeded molding visually separates the feet from the base. The base panel features a fine selection of figured veneer framed by a cross-banded border of mahogany and highlighted with two lines of inlay. The outer banding is created with alternating light and darker rectangles framed with line light string inlays on both sides. The next pattern features a thin line of light inlay, creating a box with ovolo corners. A cove molding transitions the base section to the waist. Centered here is a rectangular-shaped door, trimmed with an applied molding along the perimeter, inside of which is cross-banded framing. An alternating pattern of lines and dark squares forms the interior edge. Inside this is a thin light line pattern with a tombstone-shaped top. The central panel features long waves of graining, making it an attractive and unique piece. This hinged door has a brass lock with a shaped keyhole escutcheon. The front corners of the waist are set with brass stop-fluted quarter columns terminating in brass capitals and bases, adding to the clock's unique features.

The molded hood is mounted with three rectangular-shaped line-inlaid chimneys. Each chimney is capped and supports a brass ball-and-spire finial. The chimneys also support the regional scrolled and pierced fretwork. The pattern mimics the shape of the arch or cornice molding. The selection of wood used in this location is well-grained, and as a result, it exhibits a variety of warm tones. The glazed tombstone-shaped dial door is flanked by brass stop-fluted colonnettes terminating in brass capitals and bases. This door opens to access the colorfully painted iron dial.

This finely painted iron dial measures 12 inches across and features a moon phase display in the arch. This lunar calendar is an automated feature. It is very popular among collectors for its aesthetic appeal and functional novelty. Two painted moons are in opposition to each other. In between is a pastoral scene and a nautical scene. The fully rigged, painted ship is depicted flying the American flag from its stern. The four spandrel locations are decorated with floral patterns. Arabic numerals are used to indicate the five-minute positions. A dotted minute circle divides these from the larger Roman-style hours. The dial's seconds register features a steel pointer. Both the hour and minute hands are steel and feature a decorative design.

This movement is constructed with four-turned pillars that support the two brass plates. They support the hardened steel shafts, polished steel pinions, brass gearing, recoil escapement, and grooved winding drums. This movement is a two-train design with a rack-and-snail striking system. As a result, it strikes each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. It is weight-powered and designed to run for eight days before requiring a rewind. The movement is fitted with an original steel shaft pendulum with a brass-capped lead bob. The movement rests on a wooden "saddle board" and is original to the case. The movement has recently been serviced and is in excellent running condition.

Inventory number 225032.