John Reilly of Dublin, Ireland. An Irish Chippendale tall clock, a style that emerged during the mid-18th century, is characterized by its elegant proportions and use of high-quality materials. 225020.

John Reilly of Dublin, Ireland. An Irish Chippendale tall clock, a style that emerged during the mid-18th century, is characterized by its elegant proportions and use of high-quality materials.

John Reilly is listed in Brian Loomes' Clockmakers and Watchmakers of the World as working in Ireland's capital city, Dublin, from 1753 to 1786. Geraldine Fenell lists Reilly as a quarter brother, a time-expired apprentice, in 1738. He is listed as a watchmaker. His business was located on New-row. The Dublin Courant records John's marriage to Miss Hussey in Mary's-lane, a young lady of merit and fortune, on November 17, 1750. This clock, a product of the 18th century, was made circa 1760 and stands just a touch over 92 inches tall. The upper bonnet molding is 22 inches wide and 10 inches deep.

This tall, elegant, 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 to the island from regions of the Spanish Islands and the latter 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 originated in Dublin and became quite popular. The bonnet is slightly oversized to accommodate the larger dial size of 13 inches. 

This case stands on applied bracket feet. The base features an applied rectangular-shaped panel. The four corners have inverse cut-away corners, and the perimeter is trimmed with a molded edge. The cabinetmaker chose this panel for its excellent grain pattern. Complex ogee moldings transition the base to the waist section. The section is long and narrow. Centered here is a nicely shaped access door. This door also features an exceptional selection of mahogany that exhibits a vibrant crotch pattern. The front corners of the waist are designed with fluted inset quarter columns terminating in turned wooden capitals. The columns are set up on veneered plinths. This quarter-column detail 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 are well executed. It is worth noting that they turn slightly upwards at the outside ends. The interior side of the moldings terminates in carved floral rosettes. Centered here is a carved shell-themed cartouche. The most distinguishing Irish case feature is the convex or cushion molding positioned just below the arches. This frieze is skillfully carved with acanthus foliage. An additional carved shell is centered on the molding. The hood door is square and fitted with glass-fluted pilasters terminating in carved Corinthian capitals flanking the hood.

The square brass dial measures approximately 13 inches across. It is interesting to note that the London standard at this time was 12 inches. The four cast spandrel decorations are applied to each corner of the dial. The chapter or time ring and the subsidiary seconds dial are also applied. These two rings and the calendar dial are finished in a silver wash. This silver wash treatment contrasts with the yellow color of the brass. Arabic numerals are used in each of the five-minute locations and are separated from the Roman-style hour numerals by a dotted minute ring. The center of this dial is matted. The winding arbors and the calendar display are ring-turned. The hour and minute hands are easy to view against this textured backdrop. This dial is signed on the chapter ring, "John Reilly, DUBLIN."

This weight-driven brass movement is of good quality. Brass rectangular-shaped plates support the hardened steel shafts, brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and recoil escapement. It is designed to run for eight days once fully wound and to strike each hour on the hour via a rack and snail setup. The use of brass and hardened steel in the movement, along with the eight-day running time, demonstrates the high quality and durability of this clock's mechanical components.

This clock, a product of the 18th century, was made circa 1760 and stands just a touch over 92 inches tall. The upper bonnet molding is 22 inches wide and 10 inches deep. 

Irish tall-case clocks like this one are enjoying a surge in popularity today. As a result, they have become increasingly rare and difficult for us to find and inventory. Owning this example is a testament to the enduring influence of Irish immigrants on the best forms of American furniture.

Inventory number 225020.