James Wilson of Belfast, Ireland. An Irish Chippendale tall clock. 216032.

James Wilson, a name etched in history, is listed in Brian Loomes Clockmakers and Watchmakers of the World. Born in 1720 and departed in 1789, his legacy lives on through his timeless creations. His claim to fame is importing white dials to Belfast in 1782, a milestone in the world of horology. 

This tall, elegant, and well-proportioned case is constructed in San Domingo mahogany. This would have been one of the first furniture forms to use this newly imported wood from regions of the Spanish Islands and then, later, Cuba. Mahogany and other goods from His Majesty's plantations were illegal to import onto that island until sometime around 1730. This case form took advantage of that new wood, which was a departure from the marquetry style cases previously in fashion. 

This case form is traditionally found in Ireland. The bonnet is built on a larger scale than the base and the waist sections. A larger bonnet is necessary to accommodate the 13-inch dial size. This case sits flat on the floor on an applied bracket base. The base is veneered with a wonderfully figured panel. The front corners of this base are canted. The angled surface is decorated with a blind fretwork pattern. The long, narrow waist section is fitted with a large door shaped at the top and trimmed with a molded edge. The mahogany selected for this application is nicely figured and quite dense. The front corners of the waist section are fitted with fluted inset quarter columns. These terminate in turned wooden capitals. This quarter-column detail successfully softens the lines of the waist section and accentuates the narrowness of the form. 

The bonnet or hood features a swan's neck pediment. The molded arches terminate in carved wooden rosettes. These center a carved wooden cartouche. A panel of blind fretwork is positioned just below the arches. This frieze is skillfully carved. Below this molding is the bonnet door, which is fitted with glass. Positioned at the forward corners of the hood are slightly tapered and fluted pillars. These terminate in ring-turned capitals. 

The square brass dial measures approximately 13 inches across. It is interesting to note that the London standard was 12 inches at this time. The applied cast brass spandrels feature a large cherub head and incorporate floral motifs in their design. The chapter ring and subsidiary seconds dial are also applied. The applied rings and the center section of the dial have been treated with a silver wash. This silver wash treatment contrasts with the yellow color of the brass. Roman-style numerals indicate the hours. Arabic numerals are used in each of the five-minute locations. The center of this dial is skillfully engraved. The hour and minute hands are easy to view against this textured backdrop. Please note the ring turned winding and calendar day apertures. This dial is signed on the chapter ring by the Maker, "James Wilson," giving his working location as "Belfast." 

The movement is constructed in brass. The cast brass plates are supported by four ring-turned brass posts. The gearing is also brass, and the pinions are hardened steel. The weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. This mechanism will strike each hour on a bell that is mounted above the plates. The strike train is a rack and snail design. The winding barrels are grooved. A seaboard supports the movement.  The pendulum features a metal rod and a brass-faced lead bob. This movement is not numbered.

This clock made circa 1780, stands just a touch over 97 inches or 8 feet 1.5 inches tall. It is in excellent condition, having been carefully preserved and maintained over the years, ensuring its functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Irish tall-case clocks like this one are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. As a result, they are becoming increasingly rare to find and acquire. This surge in demand is a testament to these historical treasures' enduring appeal and value.

Inventory number 216032.