Lewis Curtis, Farmington, Connecticut. A cheery case tall clock with engraved dial. EEE-16.

This is a significant Chippendale Cherry and Pine Tall-Case Clock with a rare engraved dial signed by the Farmington, Connecticut, clockmaker Lewis Curtis. The case maintains a pristine surface and a remarkable nut brown color. The brass movement, a testament to quality, is a unique feature of this clock.

This exemplary cherry case is raised on four splayed ogee bracket feet, continuing to spurred and shaped returns. They are applied to the bottom of a double-stepped molding. The waist section is proportionally long and features a rectangular-shaped access door trimmed with a thumb-molded edge. The single-board door is flanked by recessed fluted quarter columns terminating in cast brass Doric capitals conforming to blocked corners. The removable hood rests on top of deep cove molding applied to the top of the waist section. It features a pagoda pediment decorated with pierced fretwork scrolls supported by three high-fluted plinths. Each plinth supports a cast brass ball finials. The deep cornice molding is visually supported by two free-standing fluted colonettes mounted with cast brass Corinthian capitals and ogee bases. These flank the round-arched glazed door and glazed tombstone-shaped side panels.

Connecticut engraved dials produced in the manner of Daniel Burnap exhibit outstanding artistry. This is a fine representation of this type of work. Creating a dial like this requires hammering the brass by hand into a thin, flat sheet. He would then cut out the general shape. He would then lay out the positions of the necessary holes for the four-movement posts, seconds hand, center arbor, and calendar. The dial shown here features a lunar calendar in the lunette, which would also be cut out. Then, the engraver can lay out the time ring and the decorative work. All of this is skillfully executed into the front surface. The designs are filled with shellac or wax, and the front surface is finished with a silver wash. The silver compound adheres to the exposed brass surfaces, thus creating a stark contrast between the applied silver and the dark black filler inside the engraved decorations. Please note that the entire dial is decorated with engravings. The time ring is traditionally formatted. Arabic-style numerals mark the five-minute locations outside the closed-minute ring. This minute ring, divided into 60 segments, separates them from the Roman-style hour numerals. A recessed seconds dial is inset and positioned below the hour numeral XII. The date of the month aperture is large and of the traditional form. It is positioned above the hour numeral VI. The four spandrel locations, the lunette arch, and the dial's center section are decorated with engraved vines, florals, and c-scrolls. A painted lunar dial is displayed in the lunette. Moon phase displays are an unusual feature for this Maker. They had to have been specially ordered. The moon disk is painted with stars and bright moon faces. The steel hands' shaping is also a recurring theme on other Connecticut-made clocks. This dial is signed, "L Curtis / Farmington.”

This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass rectangular-shaped plates. The posts are in a distinctive form. They are cigar-shaped with ring turnings and are generally associated with Thomas Harland and Daniel Burnap. Hardened steel shafts support the recoil escapement, polished steel pinions, and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The movement is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design having a rack-and-sail strike. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. A steel hammer hits a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.

This exceptional example stands an impressive 91.5 inches tall, with a bonnet that measures 21.5 inches wide and 11 inches deep. Its substantial size and elegant design make it a striking addition to any collection.

This rare and valuable clock was expertly crafted circa 1800, adding to its historical significance and value. Its age and craftsmanship make it a must-have for any serious collector or enthusiast.

Inventory number EEE-16.