James Perrigo, Jr., Wrentham, Massachusetts. An Inlaid mahogany case tall clock. GG-57.

The example offered here may be the BEST example known and should check all the boxes for someone looking for a formal case clock made in the Wrentham, MA, area. The finely inlaid case is constructed in mahogany and has classic Roxbury proportions. The selection of woods is strategically positioned for maximum effect. The grain patterns are excellent. The finish has been enhanced and is now a deep, rich nut brown color. This case proudly stands on four nicely formed applied ogee bracket feet. These are applied to the double-stepped base molding. The base panel is veneered and decorated with a string inlay pattern. The waist is long and narrow. The brass stop-fluted quarter columns terminate in brass quarter capitals and are positioned over veneered blocks framed with line inlay. The rectangular-shaped door provides access to the two tin can drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. The open fretwork-style bonnet is surmounted with three brass ball-and-spiked finials. These are each positioned on inlaid plinths. The arched glazed door is also decorated with line inlay. Turned and brass stopped fluted mahogany bonnet columns flank the sides. The side lights are a tombstone shape.
 

The painted iron dial is of exceptional quality. It is attributed to the Boston ornamental artist J. R. Penniman. The raised gesso work located in the four spandrel areas, the cross-hatched designs, and the gold ring positioned around the time track are hallmarks of these ornamental artists and their workshop. The complexity of this example could be considered some of their best work. Most of their dials do not include the distinctive cross-hatching detail more commonly found on first-period timepiece glasses. This detail must have been time-consuming to produce. All of the gesso work is highlighted in gilt paint. The four spandrel areas are decorated with geometric patterns. The design also incorporates gilt highlights, some elevated on gesso. In the lunette is a large urn filled with flowers. The flowers are in bloom and fill the area of the lunette. This dial also displays the hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar dates in the traditional format. The Clockmaker signs this dial. It reads, "WARRANTED BY / James Perrigo." This signature is below the calendar date and the Roman hour numeral VI.

This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of 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 weight-driven movement is designed to run for 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 mounted above the movement.

This rare clock is a superb example. This clock was made circa 1805. The overall height is 7 feet 9 inches tall.

Presently, a James Perrigo tall clock is in the Dedham Historical Society collection.

Inventory number GG-57.