A nicely proportioned tall case clock that features a very interesting inlay design. This clock was most likely made in Southeastern Massachusetts. ZZ-55.
This nicely proportioned tall case clock is constructed primarily in mahogany, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The woods used in creating the inlay designs consist of various grades of mahogany, birch, and maple. The case features an appropriate orange shellac finish that promotes the texture, contrast in color, and grain exhibited in the woods.
This case is elevated on four flared feet. These are somewhat compressed and transition from one to the next by including a subtle return and a double-drop apron that visually hangs from the base panel. A complex line of inlay separates the base section from the feet. This banding features an interesting design. Chevron blocks are positioned in a row. The direction of the pattern changes at the mid-point of each line. The base panel is framed with a cross-banded mahogany border. The complex inlay line pattern is again used and frames the interior of the cross-banding. The mahogany panel was selected for this location due to its vibrant grain pattern. It features a crotch graining that is positioned vertically. The waist section is long and is fitted with a rectangular-shaped waist door. Open the door, and one will access the two drive weights and brass-faced pendulum bob. This door features the same chevron inlay line pattern exhibited on the base panel. The perimeter of the door is also trimmed with cock-beaded edge molding that features a barber pole inlay design. Interestingly, this inlay pattern is used in the construction of the reeded quarter columns. The quarter columns terminate at both ends in brass quarter capitals. At the bottom of each column is a plinth framed with the chevron pattern. The bonnet or hood is fitted with an unusual variation of the New England style pierced fretwork pattern. Three inlaid chimneys or final plinths each support a brass finial. The plinths are inlaid with light and dark wood in an alternating pattern. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns or colonnettes visually support the upper bonnet moldings. These are also inlaid in a barber pole inlay design. Brass capitals support these columns. The sides of the hood are fitted with large oval-shaped sidelights, and they are fitted with glass. The arched bonnet door is also line inlaid with the chevron line inlay pattern used in the other areas of the case design. This door is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted iron dial.
This imported English dial is fitted with a false plate. The time track is done in two separate formats. The hours are indicated in large Roman-style numerals. The five-minute markers are painted in an Arabic form. The minute ring is indicated with dots. A subsidiary seconds dial and month calendar can be seen inside the time ring. The four spandrel areas are colorfully decorated with floral patterns. A bluebird is painted standing on a branch of a cherry tree in the arch of this dial.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. The plates are a full rectangle. These pillars are an unusual form in that they incorporate a cone design in their structure. 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 movement is weight-driven and 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 clock was made circa 1800. It stands approximately 7 feet 8 inches or 92 inches tall to the top of the center finial. This case is 21 inches wide and 10 inches deep, measured at the upper bonnet molding.
Inventory number ZZ-55.
