An inlaid mahogany cased Tall Clock made by George Leverly of Baltimore, Maryland. TT-51.
This is a fine example of a tall case clock constructed in mahogany and decorated with subtle line inlays. The case retains an older finish that has mellowed into a warm and pleasing tone. It is elevated up on four delicate og bracket-shaped feet. These are applied to a simple molding at the bottom of the base. The base section is fitted with an inset panel. The transition is made with a molding that frames this panel. The panel is well-figured and is decorated with a light line inlay. Please note the complex lower waist molding. The waist section is nice and long. It is fitted with a large door that is shaped at the top and is also lined inlaid. The perimeter of the door is trimmed with a simple molded edge. One can access the two drive weights and brass-faced pendulum bob through this door. The front corners of the waist section have been canted. This design transitions from a ninety-degree corner to a forty-five-degree surface via a lamb's-tongue molding at each end. The canted surface is decorated with two long light wood inlaid panels. The bonnet or hood features a cornice top or molded flat pediment that is nicely formed. Free-standing turned columns are located at all four corners of the hood. These are mounted in brass capitals and visually support the upper section of this bonnet. Large tombstone-shaped side lights are fitted with glass and positioned on the sides of the hood. The hood door is arched and is fitted with glass. It opens to access the dial.
This style of dial predates the painted dial form. It is composed of a brass sheet and is decorated with applied brass spandrels of a decorative form. The silvered time or chapter ring is formatted with Arabic-style five-minute markers, dots for the minute positions, and sizeable Roman-style hour numerals. Inside this ring, the center section is skillfully engraved. A square window displays the calendar day. The seconds dial is inset. This and the dated wheel are treated with a silver wash. In the lunette is a lunar calendar display. The display disk is painted. The outside of this ring is engraved and silvered. The inner circle on this dial will display the hour of high tide. The hours are marked in small Roman-style numerals. This feature would be very useful to someone involved in the shipping trades. The stylized hemispheres and the engraved arch with the Maker's name are finished in a silver wash. The hour, minute seconds, and high tide pointer hands are steel and follow the traditional form of the period. These appear to be original to this clock.
The two-train weight-driven movement is brass, has an eight-day duration, and is good quality. Four-turned brass pillars or posts support the two large cast brass plates. The front plate is inscribed with the positions of the wheelwork. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format.
This clock was made circa 1780 and stands approximately 94.5 inches tall at the top of the case, 21 inches wide at the top of the hood, and 10.5 inches deep.
Inventory number TT-51.
Currently, very little information is published about George Levely. He is said to have been born about 1749 and died in 1796. He first worked in Philadelphia. It appears that he was there in 1770 through about 1774 when he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. In Baltimore, he advertises that he was a watch and clockmaker from the city of Philadelphia that he relocated his shop opposite the Fountain Inn on Market Street. This Inn was located on what is now the corners of Baltimore and Hanover Streets. The Federal Gazette (Baltimore) reports on 30 April 1796 that George Levely Watchmaker of Baltimore dies on April 29, 1796 at the age of 47.
